IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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A 


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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


V  mp. 


V 


/*., 

<.,<• 


V 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Instltut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibllographlques 


i 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibllographlcally  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  Images  In  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


D 
D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommag6e 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pelliculAe 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  litre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 


□    Coloured  maps/ 
Cartes  giographiques  en  couleur 

□    Coloured  Ink  (I.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

□    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  Illustrations  en  couleur 


D 
D 


D 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relid  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  failure  serr6e  peut  causer  de  lombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  int6rieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  w'thin  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutees 
lors  dune  restauration  apparalssent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  fllm^es. 


L'Instltut  a  microfilm*  le  mellleur  exemplaire 
qu'll  lul  a  6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  ddtaiis 
dc  cat  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  d©  vue  bibllographique.  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  Image  reprodulte,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m6thode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqu6s  cl-dessous. 


n 

D 
D 


Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  pellicul6es 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  d6color6es.  tachet6es  ou  piqudes 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d6tach6es 

Stowthrough/ 
Transparence 


□    Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Quaiit*  in^gale  de  I'Impression 

□   Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  matirlel  suppldmentaire 


D 
D 


Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponlble 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc..  have  been  ref limed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  Image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcles  par  un  feulllet  d'errata.  une  pelure. 
etc..  ont  6t6  fllm6es  d  nouveau  de  faqon  a 
obtenir  la  meilleure  Image  possible. 


D 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentalres  suppl6mentaires: 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 
Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  de  rAduction  IndiquA  ci-dessous 

22X 


10X 


14X 


26X 


laK 


16X 


30X 


20X 


28X 


32X 


re 

Idtails 
»  du 
nodifier 
9r  une 
filmage 


The  copy  filmed  hure  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Library  of  Congress 
Photoduplication  Service 

The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  origmal  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


L'exemplaire  film6  fut  reproduit  grdce  d  la 
g6n6rosit6  de: 

Library  of  Congress 
Photoduplication  Service 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  re.oroduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettetd  de  l'exemplaire  filmd,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


6es 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — »>  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimde  sont  filmds  en  commen9ant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  seion  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmds  en  commenpant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparattra  sur  Iq 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


ire 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  §tre 
film6s  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diff^rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  film6  d  partir 
de  Tangle  supdrieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


3y  errata 
ed  to 

ant 

jne  pelure, 

agon  d 


32X 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

•^ 


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AUTHOR  OF  "  CAKRIED  BY  STOBM,"  "  ONE  NIOHT'S  MTSTEBT,' 
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CONTENTS. 


'^   " 


OJIAPTIB. 

I.  Tub  Storm  and  the  Tbaveler^    . 
II.  The  Miumoiit  Si'Ecteb     . 

III.  Tub  C'oNsi-i.T.vTio.v 

IV.  Lady  Daxk.mohu 

V.  A  Ci.Ew  TO  Tin:  Lost  O.ve 
VI.  Tim  Little  Ameuiuan 
VII.  lliss  Maooie's  Sentiments    . 
VIII.  A  Second  Nioiit  i.v  the  Om)  Moon 
IX.  The  Witch  of  the  Moon  at  a  Uall 
X.  TiiE  Countess  Goes  A-visiti.no 
XI.  Kate  Meets  IIek  Fkiend 
XII.  Tub  Roveu  Ciuep 

XIII.  Syiia       .... 

XIV.  CiiAHLET  i.v  Dublin    . 
XV.  The  Plot  Thickens 

XVI.  Kate  on  the  Sea 
XVII.  The  Doomed  Ship 
XVIII.  An  Unexpected  Meeting 

XIX.  Jealousy 

XX.  The  Quadroon's  IIevence 
XXI.  The  Koveii  Chief's  Story    . 
XXII.  The  Father's  Remorse 

XXIII.  The  Witch  of  the  Moor 

XXIV.  United  at  Last 
XXV.  Reunion  .... 

XXVI.  An  Irish  Ball    . 
XXVII.  Home  Again  -        .        .        . 
XXVIII.  Last  Scene  or  All    . 


Manor 


PAM. 

5 

11 

.     16 

M 

.    89 

68 

.     88 

79 

.    99 

104 
.  125 

143 
.  137 

168 
.  183 

197 
.  212 

228 
.  236 

242 
.  253 

273 
.  284 

294 
.  309 

Sir 

.  828 
S32 


L 


1 


i 


I 


I 


I, 


T 


>>.       t 


THE  SECEET  SOEEOW. 


I 


ClIAnEIl  I. 

TTiE   8TOUM   AND   THE   TRAVEI.FR*. 

"  The  nisht  1h  blind  witli  ii  double  dark, 
The  ruin  nnd  Imil  coiiii'  down  toRethcrj 
'Tis  Kood  to  Hit  hy  tlic  (Iro  mid  li!irl< 
To  the  stormy  wtithet."— Edith  May, 

'TwAs  night,  and  the  si)irit  of  the  storm  Imd  spread  its  sa- 
ble  wings  over  tljc  carlii.  Dark,  ominous  clouds  came  rolling 
over  the  heavens— the  rain  fell  in  torrents,  as  if  tiie  flood-gates 
of  heaven  had  opened  for  a  second  deluge.  The  cold,  raw 
wind  came  sweeping  chillingly  along,  driving  the  rain  in  mad- 
dening splashes  against  the  closed  window  of  a  carriage  that 
drove  as  rapidly  as  the  pitiless  storm  would  admit. 

The  carriage  windows  were  shut  down  tightly— not  a  single 
ray  of  light  came  from  the  interior,  and  yet  it  was  lighted  up. 
A  lamp  suspended  from  the  top  illumined  it,  and  shone  full 
upon  its  Inmates — three  in  number. 

The  eldest  of  these  was  a  man  apparently  about  fifty  years 
of  age.  Every  thing  around  and  about  him  bespoke  the  gen- 
tleman. His  iron-gray  hair  was  brushed  back  from  a  lofty, 
massive  brow,  and  a  pair  of  cold  keen,  dark  eyes  flashed  be- 

!• 


ifl'- 


p.. 

■i 


•ajr 


6  THE  SECRET  SORROW. 

neath,  while  the  thick,  bushy  eyebrows,  meeting  across  the 
strong  Roman  nose,  gave  Iiim  a  repulsive,  and  somewhat  sinis- 
ter appearance.  His  features,  taken  separately,  were  decided- 
ly good  ;  but  there  was  an  air  of  cold,  proud  sternness  about 
the  firmly-  closed  lips,  and  cruel,  crafty  cunning  in  his  eyes, 
that  would  have  instantly  repelled  any  thing  like  confidence. 

His  hat  was  sloudied  down  over  his  face,  and  he  wore  a 
long  cloak,  that  covered  him  from  head  to  foot.  He  was  evi- 
dently of  superior  rank — a  man  to  be  feared  and  respected, 
but  not  loved. 

The  second  was  a  young  girl,  bright,  blooming,  and  rosy 
— looking  strangely  out  of  place  with  tiiat  dark,  stern  man. 
Her  face  was  one  of  those  pleasant,  cheery  ones,  that  seemed 
formed  only  for  smiles  ;  but  there  was  a  cloud  hanging  over 
it  now — particularly  whenever  her  eyes  rested  on  the  third 
and  last  occupant  of  the  carriage. 

This  was  evidently  a  woman,  but  muffled  in  such  a  manner 
that  no  feature  was  visible.  Her  head  was  sunk  low  on  her 
breast ;  and  her  hands,  small,  white,  and  lady-like,  lay  list- 
lessly in  her  lap.  Her  dress,  where  it  could  be  seen  for  the 
largo  mantle  in  which  it  was  enveloped,  was  rich  ;  and  there 
was  an  air  of  grace  and  refinement  about  her,  which  at  once 
bespoke  the  lady. 

All  was  silent.  The  cold,  stern  featm-es  of  the  man  at 
times,  twitched  convulsively,  as  though  absc  bed  in  painful 
thought ;  and  the  eyes  of  the  young  girl,  who  was  evidently 
an  upper  servar  ,  would  linger  with  a  look  of  anxious  trou- 
ble on  the  mufHed  figure,  but  neither  spoke — 


•r~ 


:#- 


aeeting  across  the 
ud  somewhat  sinis- 
,tcly,  were  decided- 
ud  sternness  about 
nning  in  his  eyes, 
tig  like  confidence, 
e,  and  he  wore  a 
foot.  He  was  evi- 
ed  and  respected, 

looming,  and  rosy 
;  dark,  stern  man. 
ones,  that  seemed 
oud  hanging  over 
sted  on  the  third 

[  in  such  a  manner 
s  sunk  low  on  her 
lady-like,  lay  list- 
Id  be  seen  for  the 
IS  rich  ;  and  there 
ler,  which  at  once 

es  of  the  man  at 
)sc  bed  in  painful 
ivho  was  evidently 
:  of  anxious  trou- 


I 


A 


THE  SECRET  SORKOW.  7 

Meantime  the  storm  was  every  moment  increasing.  Wild- 
er and  wilder  came  the  fierce  raw  gusts  of  wind,  driving  the 
rain  furiously  against  the  coach.  Darker  and  darker  it  grew 
until  all  without  was  .Trapped  in  a  mantle  of  pitchy  black- 
ness. Thicker  and  thicker  drifted  the  huge  storm  clouds 
over  the  face  of  the  heavens,  until  all  above  and  below  lay 
enveloped  m  the  same  shroud  of  intense  gloom. 

Still  on  through  the  storm  went  the  carriage.  Over  the 
rougji  roads,  whore  the  creaking  sign-boards  and  shutters  flap- 
ped wildly  in  the  wind ;  where  people,  comfortably  housed, 
looked  out  in  wonder,  as  the  coach  flew  by — wondering  where 
it  could  be  going  that  dreadful  night ;  until  the  city  with  its 
rough  roads  and  difficult  streets,  was  left  far  behind,  and 
the  wide,  open  country  lay  before  them.  Still,  on — oa — they 
went,  and  every  moment  the  stoi-m  increased. 

Suddenly  there  came  a  flash,  as  if  the  whole  heavens  were 
one  vast  sheet  of  flame,  followed  by  a  crash  so  stunning,  so 
terrible,  that  it  seemed  as  if  the  whole  earth  were  annihilated. 
The  young  girl  eprang  to  her  feet  with  a  stifled  shriek.  At 
the  same  moment  the  carriage  stopped,  and  the  head  of  the 
driver  was  protruded  through  the  window. 

"My  lord,"  said  he,  addressing  the  gentleman,  *'  it  is  im- 
possible for  me  to  go  any  further  to-night.  The  moor  is 
right  before  us ;  and  it  will  be  dangerous  for  us  to  ven- 
ture!" 

"  No  matter !  "  said  the  gentleman,  sternly,  "  drive  on ! " 

The  man  closed  tlie  window,  and  whipped  up  his  horses 
for  another  effort.     For  a  few  momenta  they  sped  madly  on, 


I! 


f< 


8 


THE  SECRET  SORBrn-. 


I 


then  came  a  second  blaze  of  lightning,  blinding  and  stun- 
ning, followed  by  a  peal  so  tremendous,  that  it  seemed  to 
shake  the  very  foundation  of  the  earth.  The  horses  stood 
for  a  moment  stock-still,  then  they  began  to  rear  and  plunge 
so  furiously,  that  it  required  all  the  driver's  strength  to  hold 
them  in.  At  last  they  grew  quiet.  The  man  opened  the 
window  once  more. 

"  We  can  go  no  further  to-night,  my  lord  I  "  he  said  reso- 
lutely :  "the  horses  are  nearly  wild  already  with  fear.  We 
must  alight,  and  seek  for  some  place  of  shelter  until  the 
storm  is  over. 

"Shelter!"  repeated  the  gentleman;  "and  what  shelter 
can  we  find  here  on  the  moor?" 

"  I  don't  know  sir ;  but  may  be " 

"Ha!  I  have  it  now!"  exclaimed  his  master,  rising 
abrubtly ;  "  the  old  ^loor  ^Manor  House,  as  they  call  it,  must 
be  somewhere  near  this.     Is  it  not?" 

"  Yes,  my  lord,  within  a  few  yards.  But  you  will  never 
think  of  going  there,  sir,  surely !"  replied  the  man,  in  a  tone 
of  dismay. 

"And  why  not,  sirrah?"  demanded  his  master,  sternly; 
"  you  say  we  cannot  move  on  any  further ;  and  we  are  to  re- 
main here  exposed  to  the  storm  all  night?" 

"But  ii  is — is — haunted,  my  lord!"  said  the  driver,  per- 
plexed and  anxious. 

"  Pshaw !  you  fool !  attend  to  the  horses,  and  I  will  go  on 
foot  and  see  it."  And  as  he  spoke,  he  leaped  from  the 
carriage  and  was  lost  in  the  deepening  glcom. 


ling  and  stun- 
it  seemed  to 
}  horses  stood 
ear  and  plunge 
;rength  to  hold 
m  opened  the 

"  he  said  reso- 
rith  fear.  We 
elter  until  the 

I  what  shelter 


master,   rising 
2y  call  it,  must 

you  will  never 
nan,  in  a  tone 

ister,  sternly; 
1  we  are  to  re- 

ie  driver,  pe?> 

id  I  will  go  on 
iped  from  the 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


9 


'•Janie,"  said  the  driver,  turning  to  the  girl,  who  had 
stood  listening  in  breathless  anxiety,  "what's  to  be  done? 
It  will  be  dreadful  to  stay  this  wild  night  in  the  old  Moor 
Manor,  and  the  earl's  determined  to  stay,  I  can  see  that 
plainly.     What's  to  bo  done  ?" 

"  Oh  !  I  don't  know  !"  replied  the  girl,  wringing  her  hands 
in  distress  ;  "  it  is  a  dreadful  place  to  stay,  I  know,  but  we 
cannot  remain  here.  Lord  preserve  us!  what  lightning! 
Oh  !  my  poor,  dear  young  lady  !"  said  the  girl,  turning  to  the 
figure  still  lying  sUently  back  in  a  corner  of  the  coach. 
"  how  is  she  to  stay  in  that  old  haunted  place?  Surely  no 
evU  spirit  wUl  come  near  her— so  good,  so  patient,  and  so 
sorrowful.  Oh,  John !  I  woild  not  be  the  Earl  of  Danemore 
this  night  for  all  the  wealta  he  owns.  What  a  fearful  ac- 
count he  will  yet  have  to  render  for  his  cruelty  to  poor  Miss 
Alice!" 

"  Yes,  and  to  young  Lord  Arndale  too.  Now,  I'll  tell  you 
what,  Janie.  If  he  was  my  father,  as  he  is  Lord  Arndale's, 
I  would  just  go  and  marry  Miss  Alice  there  in  spite  of  his 
teeth  !"  and  John  clenched  his  fist  emphatically. 

"  She  wouldn't  have  him,  John.  Miss  Alice  never  would 
marry  him  against  his  father's  will.  Poor  thing!  she  loves 
him  so  weU,  too!"  And  ihe  eyes  of  the  affectionate  girl 
filled  with  tears,  as  she  turned  to  gaze  on  her  mistress. 

"  Hush  !  here  he  comes,"  said  John  in  a  low  voice,  as  the 
earl  approached. 

"John!"  said  the  earl,  in  his  cold,  harsh  voice,  "come 
down,  and  lead  the  horses  to  the  old  Manor.    You  can  easUy 


1 


10 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


find  a  place  for  them  there,  Janie,  I  will  carry  your  raidtress  ; 
you  can  follow  mc.     Be  careful,  the  moor  is  dangerous  I" 

He  raised,  as  he  spoko,  the  mulP^d  figure  in  his  arms  as 
easily  as  he  would  an  infant,  and  walked  cautiously  across 
tht  wet  manor,  closely  followed  by  Janie. 

"This  is  the  place,"  said  the  earl,  at  length,  stopping  be- 
fore something  that  looked  in  the  bleak  darkness  like  a  huge, 
grim,  spectral  shadow. 

Just  at  this  moment  there  came  a  blaze  of  lightning  that 
showed  the  outlines  of  ;  large,  ruinous  pile  of  uneven  build- 
ings. 

It  was  gone  in  a  moment,  and  all  was  again  enveloped  in 
intense  blackness. 

"John  "  said  the  earl,  as  the  driver  approached,  leading 
the  horses,  "there  is  a  lamp  in  the  carriage.  .  Hand  it  to 
Janie." 

The  man  obeyed. 

"  Now,"  said  he  to  the  girl,  "go  on  ahead  so  that  I  may 
see  the  way.     There  is  tlie  door ;  go  on." 

Janie  shrank  back  from  the  dark,  open  portal,  that  yawned 
like  a  great,  black  gulf  to  receive  her.  But  she  dare  not  dis- 
obey her  stern  master  ;  and  with  a  muttered  prayer  for  safety, 
she  entered  the  large,  desolate  room,  followed  by  the  earl  and 
the  lady. 


■s* 


1... 


jT '  "9 ' 


J 


,'  your  iniritress ; 
dangerous  I ' ' 
in  his  arms  as 
autiously  across 

til,  stopping  be- 
less  like  a  huge, 

f  lightning  that 
if  uneven  build- 

dn  enveloped  in 

•oached,  leading 
je.     Hand  it  to 


.d  so  that  I  may 

tal,  that  yawned 
ihe  dare  not  dis- 
rayer  for  safety, 
I  by  the  earl  and 


• 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


11 


CHAPTER  II. 

THE  MIDNIGHT  SPECTER. 

"  Avaunt  and  quit  my  sight !  let  the  earth  hide  thee  I 
Thy  boiic3  arc  marrowlcss  I  tiiy  blood  is  cold ! 
Thou  hast  no  speculation  in  those  eyes, 
Which  thou  dost  glare  with."— Shakespeare. 

The  three  entered  the  room.  Janie  [jaused  in  the  middle 
of  the  floor,  raised  her  lamp,  and  all  gazed  with  an  undefined 
feeling  of  awe  around.  *» 

The  room  was  large,  long,  and  lofty.  Two  high  gothic 
windows  stood  on  each  side,  through  which  the  liglitning 
blazed  at  regular  intervals.  A  huge  fire-place,  that  looked 
like  the  entrance  into  Hades — so  black  and  ominous  was  it 
—filled  the  upper  end  of  the  room.  There  was  no  furniture, 
not  even  a  stool— and  the  place  had  a  damp,  earthy  smell,  as 
of  the  grave. 

For  some  moments  all  stood  silent,  regarding  the  desolate 
ruin.     Janie  was  the  first  to  speak. 

"  Oh,  my  lord !"  she  cried,  wildly,  «'  pray,  pray,  let  us  go 
on.  I  would  rather  take  my  chance  out  in  the  storm  than 
stay  in  this  dreadful  place." 

"Nonsense,  girl,"  said  the  earl,  sternly;  "you  are  per- 
fectly safe  here,  and  should  be  glad  to  have  found  such  a 
shelter  from  the  storm." 


T 


12 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


JilP 


h 


n 


"  But  Miss  Alice,  sir,"  pleaded  Janie,  "  she  will  flie  in  thi^ 
awful  place.     It  smells  like  death  now." 

"  No  fear  of  her,"  was  the  gruff  reply. 

"  But  there  is  not  even  a  fire  or  a  seat  for  her,"  persisted 
Janie,  with  something  very  like  anger  in  her  usually  gentle 
voice. 

"  She  shall  have  both,"  said  the  carl;  "sit  down  on  the 
floor  and  support  her  for  the  present,  until  there  is  a  fire 
made.     It  will  drive  away  this  earthy  smell." 

Janie  seated  herself  on  the  ground,  and  received  tenderly 
in  her  anna  the  slight  figure  of  the  lady.  John  immediately 
after  made  his  appearance,  having  seen  the  horses  properly 
sheltered.  ^ 

"John,"  said  his  master,  "go  and  find  some  wood,  and 
make  a  fire  ;  you  can  get  plenty  through  those  old  rooms. 
Make  haste  now,"  and  he  quitted  the  room  as  he  "spoke. 

In  a  few  moments  both  returned  ;  John  bearing  in  his  arma 
a  load  of  wood,  and  the  earl,  the  carriage  cushions  and  pil- 
lows. These  he  spread  on  the  ground,  and  laid  the  lady  upon 
them.     Then  he  took  off  his  cloak,  and  spread  it  over  her. 

During  all  this  time  she  had  suffered  herself  to  be  raised 
and  carried  like  a  child,  without  a  word  or  an  effort  at  resist- 
ance. Now  she  lay  with  her  face  hidden  in  the  pillows,  as 
still  and  motionless  as  a  corpse  laid  out  for  burial. 

John  had  succeeded  in  kindling  a  fire,  which  now  blazed 
brightly  up  the  huge  chimney  ;  but  vainly  strove  to  dispel  the 
lurking  shadows  that  filled  the  lofty  room. 
This  done,  be  went  in  search  of  more  wood.    Janie  seated 


T 


4. 


will  f'le  in  thft 


her,"  persisted 
'  usually  gentle 

it  down  on  the 
there  is  a  fire 

;eived  tenderly 
m  immediately 
jorses  properly 

ome  wood,  and 
se  old  rooms, 
he  "spoke, 
ring  in  his  arma 
hions  and  pil- 
1  the  lady  upon 
d  it  over  her. 
'  to  be  raised 
effort  at  resist- 
:he  pillows,  as 
rial. 

h  now  blazed 
^e  to  dispel  the 

Janie  seated 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


13 


herself  in  the  chimney-corner,  the  earl  stood  opposite,  both 
gazing  into  the  fire,  absorbed  in  their  own  reflections.  At 
times  both  would  glanct  at  the  still  figure  on  the  floor,  then 
Janic's  eyes  would  flash  angrily  as  they  rested  on  her  master, 
whose  knitted  brow,  gloomy  looks  and  compressed  lips  showed 
how  deeply  he  was  agitated. 

The  storm,  meanwhile,  seemed  still  increasing.  The  light- 
ning glared,  the  thunder  crashed,  the  rain  fell  in  torrents, 
and  the  wind  swept  wildly  through  the  empty  chambers  of 
Moor  Manor,  waking  a  thousand  echoes,  that  sounded,  to 
the  ears  of  the  startled  watchers,  like  shrieks  of  pain  and 
hon-or. 

John  had  gathered  wood  enough  to  last  all  night,  and  now 
he  entered  and  took  his  seat  beside  Janie.  For  a  while  both 
were  silent,  out  of  respect  for  their  master ;  but  as  the  silence 
grew  oppressive,  Janie  inquired,  more  to  d  ire  away  the 
superstitious  fears  that  were  creeping  over  her,  than  from 
ciu-iosity : 

"  John,  why  is  this  old  place  deserted?    Tfho  owns  it?" 

"  I  don't  know  who  owns  it  now,"  replied  John,  evident^ 
glad  to  find  on  opportunity  to  break  the  dismal  silence.  "  j.t 
was  formerly  owned  by  Sir  Daro  Sinclair,  but  that  family  of 
Sinclairs  are  all  dead  and  gone  now." 

*'  Ah !  and  so  the  old  place  was  sold?" 

"  Yes — no  ;  not  exactly.  You  see  the  way  of  it  was  this : 
Sir  Daro  was  one  of  the  most  awful  wicked  men  that  ever 
lived.  Every  night  this  place  used  to  be  filled  with  all  sorts 
of  riotous  scamps — hail  fellows  well  met — and  he  was  the 

2 


14 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


i 


worst  of  them  all.     Hi,  father,  n.ul  grandfather,  and  fore- 
fathers,  from  the  days  of  Noah,  lived  here,  but  somehow  the 
old  Manor  came  to  him  heavily  mortgaged.     Sir  Duro  could 
not  do  without  money  ;  so,  night  after  night,  with  a  mask  on 
his  face,  he  used  to  go  out  as  a  highwayman,  and  rob  all  ho 
met.    At  last  he  was  discovered  and  arrested,  found  guilty 
and  sentenced  to  be  hanged.    He  escaned-none  knew  how- 
fled  hither,  and  defied  them  all  to  take  him  again.     'Tis  said 
he  sold  himself  to  Satan,  on  condition  that  he  would  save 
him   from   being  hanged.     I  suppose  the  old  boy  kept  his 
promise,  for  he  was  never  again  taken  by  the  law.     But,  one 
wild  night,  just  such  a  night  as  this  it  must  have  been,  when, 
seated  by  his  boon  companions,  as  the  clock  struck  twelve, 
Satan  appeared  in  their  midst,  and  carried  him  off  bodily.' 
'Tis  said  his  cries  were  heard  for  miles  around.     The  rest  all 
fled  in  horror,  and  never  came  near  Moor  Manor  a-ain. 
Since  then  it  has  been  deserted ;  for  every  night,  it  is  said, 
his  ghost  appears,  and  when  the  clock  strikes  one,  vanishes 
amid  a  cloud  of  fire,  with  such  awful  cries  that  even  the  wild 
animals  that  haunt  the  moor  fly  in  terror." 

John's  voice  had  dropped  to  a  hoarse  whisper  as  he 
went  on.  Janie  Istiened  with  bloodless  face,  and  eye  di- 
lated  with  horror.  Even  the  earl  grew  pale,  and  drew  near- 
er the  speaker,  with  something  like  an  undefined  feeling  of 
awe. 

When  he  ceased,  a  dead  silence  fell  on  them  all,  while  they 
gazed  on  each  other's  faces  with  hearts  throbbing  wildly  with 
fear.     They  seemed  to  see  mocking  faces  and  spirits  of  the 


J 
V 


MHtflii^UtWnSigKeTS: 


w 


ather,  and  fore- 
mt  somehow  the 

Sir  Duro  could 
with  a  mask  on 
,  and  rob  all  ho 
:1,  found  guilty, 
ne  knew  how — 
fain.  'Tis  said 
he  would  save 
Id  boy  kept  his 
law.  But,  one 
ve  been,  when, 

struck  twelve, 
him  off  bodily. 
.     The  rest  all 

Manor  again, 
ht,  it  is  said, 

one,  vanishes 
t  even  the  wild 

rhisper  as  he 
,  and  eye  di- 
id  drew  near- 
led  feeling  of 

ill,  while  they 

ig  wildly  with 

spirits  of  the 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


15 


dead  in  the  blue  glare  of  the  lightning,  and  to  hear  cries  of 
agony  in  the  maniac  shrieks  of  the  wind.  Voices  and  crea- 
tures not  of  this  world  seemed  flitting  in  thousands  by  them 
in  the  gloom.  The  Arc  had  burned  low  on  the  hearth,  yet  no 
one  moved  to  rcplen  sh  it. 

Suddenly,  Jauie  arose  to  her  feet ;  her  eyes  fixed,  as  if  fas- 
cinated, on  the  oppsitc  wall,  and  slowly  dilating,  until  they 
seemed  about  to  start  from  their  sockets.  Every  drop  of 
blood  had  fled  from  her  face,  as  she  stood  pointing,  with  one 
finger,  in  motionless  horror. 

Both  turned  their  eyes  in  the  direction  to  which  she 
pointed. 

The  room  was,  for  a  moment,  enveloped  in  profound,  pitchy 
darkness.  A  figure,  clothed  in  garments  of  fire  dripping  with 
blood,  glided  across  the  room.  A  low,  unearthly  groan  came 
from  its  fleshless  jaws  as  it  turned  round,  disclosing  the  eye- 
less sockets  and  grinning  skull  of  a  skeleton. 

It  passed  them  ;  a  vivid  flash  of  lightning  blazed  for  a  mo-. 
mcnt — still  it  glided,  on  and  vanished,  with  an  unearthly  cry, 
through  the  opposite  wall. 

A  shriek,  a  terrible  shriek,  burst  from  Janie's  lips,  as  she 
bounded  forward  and  fell,  with  a  deadly  owoon,  on  the  floor. 


16 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


» 


CHAPTER  m. 

THE   CONSULTATIOK. 

"When  will  the  unwelcome,  weary  days  be  done? 
Time  loiters  ever  when  we'd  have  him  fly."-  Anon. 

The  cold,  gray  dawn  of  morning  camo  faintly  through  tho 
high  gothic  windows,  festooned  with  cobwebs  that  had  never 
been  stirred  for  years.     Tho  great  empty  room  looked  even 
more  dreary  and  chill  in  the  foggy  morning  light  than  it  had 
done  the  night  before.     She  who  had  been  called  Miss  Alice 
lay  on  the  floor,  where  she  had  been  placed  upon  entering  as 
immovable  as  ever.     By  her  side  lay  Janie,  sleeping  tho  deep 
dreamless  sleep  of  bodily  and  mental  exhaustion.     At  a  short 
distance  sat  John,  dozing  in  fitful  starts,  and  rousing  himself 
up  again  in  alanr,  as  he  remembered  tho  fearful  apparition 
of  the  preceding  night.     Opposite  him  sat  the  earl,  cold,  calm, 
and  stern  as  ever,  with  his  eyes  fixed  intently  on  the  red  dy- 
ing  embers.     No  sleep  had  visited  his  eyes.     When  the  mind 
is  troubled,  we  liced  not  bodily  want. 

For  more  than  an  hour  after  day  dawn  the  party  remained 

thus  ;  then,  as  the  dim  light  grew  stronger  and  stronger,  until 

every  object  in  tho  room  was  clearly  discernable,  the  earl 

arose,  walked  to  tho  window,  and  gazed  thoughtfully  out. 

The  storm  of  the  previous  night  had  not  yet  ceased.    The 


. 


' 


f 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


17 


e  donef 
."-  Anon. 

itly  through  tho 
that  hnd  never 
)m  looked  even 
ght  tfian  it  had 
lied  Miss  Alice 
)on  entering  as 
Jeping  tho  deep 
»n.     At  a  short 
•ousing  himself 
rful  apparition 
arl,  cold,  calm, 
on  the  red  dy- 
iV^hen  the  mind 

arty  remained 
stronger,  until 
able,  the  earl 
itfully  out. 
ceased.    The 


lightning  no  longer  nasiied,  i.->r  did  tho  thunderpeal ;  but  the 
rain  still  fell  licavily,  and  tho  wihl  l)lasls  yet  swept  fiercely 
around  the  manor.  The  sky  was  one  mass  of  dull,  leaden 
clouds,  and  tho  moor  was  so  wet  and  slippery  as  to  bo  nearly 
impassable. 

The  earl  gazod  out  for  a  whue  with  an  anxious,  troubled 
brow.  Suddenly  his  face  lighted  up  like  one  who  has  re- 
ceived some  new  idea  1  le  walked  over  to  John ,  who  yet  slum- 
bered fitfully  in  his  seat,  and  touching  him  on  the  shoulder, 
said,  in  the  luirsh  abrupt,  tone  that  seemed  habitual  to  him  ; 

"  Wake  up,  man  !  don't  stay  here  dozing  all  day  !  Rouse  !" 
and  he  shook  him  roughly. 

John  rubbed  his  eyes,  and  after  two  or  three  efforts  rose  to 
his  feet,  and  stood  awaiting  his  master's  orders. 

«'  John,"  said  he  "  go  and  saddle  Black  Bess.  I  am  going 
to  the  city  now,  and  may  not  return  till  dark.  Be  quick,  man  I" 

"  Surely,  my  lord"  said  John,  in  alarm,  "  you  are  not  going 
to  leave  us  hero  alone,  in  this  horrid  place,  where  there  are 
nothing  but  ghosts  and  devils  !" 

"  Pooh,  pooh,  man  !  that  affair  last  night  was  all  fancy. 
That  apparition  was  merely  the  effect  of  an  over-excited  ima- 
gination.    Your  wild  legend  frightened  you,  nothing  more  I" 

"  But,  my  lord,  it  could  not  be  imagination,"  persisted  John. 
"Wo  all  saw  it,  you  know  that,  and  I  would  rather  not  stay 
here,  my  lord !" 

"  Coward  !"  exclaimed  the  earl,  bitterly.  «« I  might  have 
known  it.  However,  look  about  you.  Do  you  think  I  could 
bring  her,"  pointing  to  the  lady,  "  out  in  such  a  storm.  You're 

2* 


/ 


m 


la 


TIIR  SErnET  .SORROW. 


crazy,  man  !  Then  pvcn  If,  ns  you  nay,  thcro  nrc  ghosts  here, 
thoy  will  not  troulilc  yon  in  the  day-time,  nnd  if  tl.oy  ,li<l,  anil 
I  hero,  what  goo.l  could  I  do  you?  There,  not  a  word  now! 
Do  as  I  hid  you  !" 

John  <lared  not  disol.oy  longer.  lie  Haw  tho  sudden  flash 
of  tho  eye  that  convinee.l  iiini  liis  master  was  not  to  he  trilled 
with.  Uesides.  he  l.egan  to  f.-ei  a  little  ashamed  of  his  cow- 
ardice ;  and  the  dread  of  ghosts  in  daylight  and  after  night 
are  two  quite  different  things. 

"  Black  IJess  is  ready,  sir,"  he  said,  returning  after  a  few 
minutes  ;  "  what  are  we  to  do  till  you  return  ?" 

"  Do  nothing  was  the  hrief  reply,  "  remain  where  you  aro. 
Admit  no  one.  It  is  not  liI<oly,  however,  any  one  will  pass 
this  way ;  but  If  they  should,  and  wish  to  enter  here,  see  that 
you  prevent  ,iem.  Attend  to  her,"  and  he  pointed  to  tho 
lady  ;  "  keep  the  lire  burning,  and  remain  within  doors.  Tho 
provisions  intended  for  the  journey  arc  in  the  carriage.  Use 
them  freely.  That  is  all.  I  will  faithfully  return  before 
dark  ;  and  beware  if  I  find  my  directions  disobeyed  !" 

As  he  spoke  ho  sprang  ui)on  his  horse,  gave  him  the  spur, 
and  was  bounding  away  a  moment  after  across  the  moor. 

John  stood  in  the  door-way,  gazing  after  him  with  a  look 
of  sullen  discontent. 

"Ay,  there  you  go,  as  large  as  life,"  he  muttered,  «'  after 
performing  such  a  villainous  deed  last  night.  You'll  go  back 
to  Dirritole  now,  as  grand  and  proud  as  ever,  and  have  a 
good  time  and  no  one  will  ever  suspect  that  you  Etolo  away 
poor  Miss  Desmond.    Hor  poor  old  father,  too,  what  will  he 


ftro  ghosts  here, 
liftlicydid,  mill 
not  (I  word  now  I 

ho  sudden  flnHu 
not  to  lie  trilled 
mod  of  his  cow- 
iind  after  night 

ling  after  a  few 

where  you  arc. 
y  one  will  pass 
T  hero,  sec  that 
i  pointed  to  the 
In  doors.  The 
carriage.     Use 

return  before 
ieyed !" 
!  him  the  spur, 
s  the  moor- 
m  with  a  look 

ittered,  "  after 
You'll  go  back 
r,  and  have  a 
?M  Etolo  nway 
>i  what  will  he 


I 


, 


THE  SF.rnET  SORROW. 


19 


do?  Ah,  you  grny-hnircd  old  HJuncr !"  and  ho  shook  his  (Ist 
after  him  spitefully.  "  won'tfhoro  comoadayof  reckoning  yet 
for  all  thlH?  No  wondor  the  dead  oan't  rest  in  their  graves 
wlion  you'ro  around  I  You  aren't  content  with  driving  your 
oldest  son  to  tho  grave,  but  you  must  drive  i-oor  i^Iaster  Harry 
there,  too.  "SVoll,  we'll  see  !  It  will  go  hard  witii  mo,  anyhow, 
if  I  don't  find  moans  to  lot  him  know  whore  Mistress  Alice  is." 

And  thus  apostrophising  the  object  of  his  indignation,  John 
entered  the  room  where  the  two  young  girls  lay. 

His  first  care  was  to  fasten  tlio  door  securely ;  not  that 
there  was  much  danger  of  visitors  ;  but  John  thought  it  bet- 
tor, for  the  i)rescnt,  to  follow  his  master's  directions.  His 
next  was  to  ai)proach,  stir  up  tlie  fire,  and  pile  on  more  wood. 
This  done,  he  seated  himself  and  took  up  his  nap  and  dreams 
where  they  had  been  interrupted  by  his  Impatient  master. 
But  John's  rest  seemed  destined  to  bo  woefully  broken  this 
eventful  morning.  This  time  it  was  by  Janic,  who,  on  wak- 
ing, found  herself  chillod  with  lying  on  the  damp  floor,  and 
seeing  the  fire  burning  so  pleasantly,  had  arisen.  Not  wish- 
ing to  be  alone  with  her  own  thoughts  in  such  a  place,  she 
woke  up  John  to  keep  her  conpany. 

Had  it  been  any  one  else  than  pretty  Janie  who  awoke  him 
80  unceremoniously,  John  would  have  been  inclined  to  resent 
such  a  freedom,  but  he  had  long  felt  a  very  tender  regard  for 
that  young  lady,  so  ho  only  stretched  himself  two  or  three 
times,  gave  several  jaw-splitting  yawns;  and  his  sleeping  was 
over  for  that  day. 

"  Where's  the  earl,  John?"  was  Janie's  first  question. 


M. 

m 


il 


20 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


"  Gone  back  to  the  city,  to  Dirritole,  I  suppose  ' 
"Oh,  John  !••  ejaculated  Janie,  in  surprise  and  consterna 
tion,  "  and  when  is  he  coming  back  ?    Aren't  we  going,  too i 
Surely  wo  will  not  have  to  stay  here  another  night?" 

"  Yes,  we  will  then,"  said  honest  John,  bluntly.  "  Mas- 
ter  said  for  us  to  wait  here,  and  he  would  return  before  dark. 
So  I  suppose  we  are  to  stay  here  to-night." 

"But  I  thought  he  said  we  were  going  to  Stanton  with 
Miss  Alice,  and  that's  thirty  riiUes  from  here  at  least,"  said 
Janie,  the  look  of  perplexity  increasing  on  her  pretty  face. 

"  Well,  maybe  he  has  changed  his  mind.     Anyway,  we  are 

not  going  to-day,  nor  to-night.    I'm  sure  of  that  "  said  John. 

"Well,  then,  /shan't  stay.     I'U  go  away  myself,  if  he 

won't.     Does  he  think  we're  crazy  to  stay  in  this  horrid, 

haunted,  old  tumble-down  place  another  night?" 

"That's  just  what  he  said  to  me  when  I  asked  him  about 
leaving ;  he  said  he  would  be  crazy  to  go  in  such  a  storm." 

"Humph!"  said  Janie,  "how  mighty  careful  he's  grown 
of  us  all  of  a  sudden.  What  made  him  to  start  last  night  in 
such  a  storm,  I  wonder,  if  he's  afraid  of  the  rain  to-day? 
I  tell  you  what,  John  Jones,  there's  something  wrong  about 
this.,  more  than  you  or  I  understand.  What  made  him  in 
such  a  desperate  hurry  to  take  off  Miss  Alice  last  night  ? 
And  what  puzzles  me  most  of  aU,  she  came  with  hun  willingly, 
though  she  never  could  endure  him  before.  I  don't  see  into 
it  all." 

"Why,"  said  John,  "you  don't  mean  to  Bay  that  she 
came  with  him  of  her  own  accord,  do  you  I" 


iuppose  ' 

ise  and  consterna 
n't  we  going,  too? 
sr  night?" 
bluntly.     "Mas- 
eturn  before  dark. 

to  Stanton  with 
e  at  least,"  said 
her  pretty  face. 

Anyway,  we  are 
that  "  said  John, 
ay  myself,  if  he 
f  in  this  horrid, 
ht?" 

asked  him  about 
such  a  storm." 
reful  he's  grown 
tart  last  night  in 
the  rain  to-day? 
ng  wrong  about 
at  made  him  in 
Alice  last  night  ? 
th  him  willingly, 
I  don't  see  into 

to  say  that  she 


I 


V 


THK  SECRET  SORROW. 


21 


"  Yes,  I  do,"  said  Janic.  "  You  see,  as  I  said,  she  always 
disliked  him,  as  he  was  so  short,  and  snappish,  and  cross 
like.  Well,  yesterday  morning,  he  came  over  to  the  Pines, 
and  inquired  for  Miss  Alice.  She  was  up  in  her  own  room, 
reading.  I  was  with  her,  combing  her  hair,  and  she  had  not 
seemed  so  light-hearted  for  a  long  while  before.  When  the 
servant  came  in  and  said  the  earl  wanted  her,  she  looked 
quite  frightened,  and  asked  if  was  alone.  Betty  said  yes,  so 
Alice  went  down  to  the  library  where  he  was.  She  was  away 
about  two  hours,  and  when  she  came  back,  John,  I  declare  I 
nearly  dropped  down  with  fright,  she  looked  so  awful  white 
and  ghastly.  She  never  spoke  one  word,  but  dropped  right 
down  in  her  chair,  and  covered  her  face  with  her  hands.  I 
spoke  to  her  several  times,  but  she  didn't  seem  to  hear  me, 
and  at  last  I  left  her  to  herself,  thinking  she  might  wish  to  be 
alone.  A  little  before  dark  she  sent  for  me  to  her  room.  I 
started  back  when  I  went  in,  she  looked  so  unlike  herself — 
she  was  just  as  white  as  a  ghost — as  the  ghost  we  saw  last 
night,  John.  She  rose  up  as  I  came  in — for  she  had  been 
lying  on  the  sofa — and  seeing  how  frightened  I  looked,  she 
smiled,  oh  !  how  sadly,  and  beckoned  me  to  her.  I  went  over 
and  knelt  beside  her,  and  she  laid  her  hand  on  my  head,  anoi 
said,  in  her  own  soft,  sweet  voice : 

"  You  love  me,  Janie,  do  you  not?" 

"  'Oh,  my  dear,  dear  mistress,  yon  know  I  do,'  and  she 
looked  so  pale,  and  lovely,  and  sad,  that  I  felt  the  tears 
falling  from  my  eyes  on  her  hand. 

"  'And  I  love  you,  too,  dear  Janie,'  said  she  (we  are  foster- 


i 


28  THE  SECRET  SORROW, 

Sisters,  you  know,  John)  '  and  now  I  want  you  to  do  me  a 
favor.' 

"A  favor,  Miss  Alice, '  said  I  surprised.  'What  is  it  ?' 
'« 'I  want  you  to  go  over  to  Dirritole,  and  take  this  note  to 
Lord  Arndale,'  and  her  voice  faltered  as  she  spoke  his  name, 
'and  then  find  the  earl,  and  tell  him  yon  are  ready  to  ac- 
company  him.  He  will  bring  you  back  here  in  his  carriage. 
I  am  going  on  a  journey  to-night,  Janic,  and  I  want  you  to 
accompany  me.' 

"  'A  journey.  Miss  Alice,'  said  I ;  <  where  to?' 
"•I  will  tell  you  again,'  she  said  faintly,  'and  in  the 
meantime  you  must  keep  it  a  secret,  even  from  my  father. 
Not  even  he,  Janic,  must  know  of  my  aosence  till  to-morrow. 
I  will  leave  a  note  to  tell  him.    Go  now.' 

"  She  waved  her  hand  for  me  to  go.  I  took  the  note  and 
started  for  Dirritole.  It  was  pouring  rain,  and  it  was  dark 
as  pitch  when  I  reached  it.  Just  as  I  went  into  the  hall, 
drippmg  wet,  I  met  the  earl  face  lo  face.  The  note  for  Lord 
Arndalo  was  in  my  hand,  where  I  had  held  it  as  I  came  along, 
to  keep  it  from  getting  wet. 

"  'Who  is  this  for,'  said  he,  fixing  his  eyes  on  me  in  his 
stern,  piercing  manner. 

"  'For  lord  Arndale,  my  lord,'  said  I,  all  of  a  flutter,  for 
I  always  was  afraid  of  him,  he  looked  so  harsh  and  cold 

"  'Give  it  to  me,  then,'  said  he.  '  I  will  deliver  it  to  him.' 
And,  before  I  could  refuse,  he  had  taken  it  out  of  my  hand. 

"  I  was  too  frightened  to  say  anything,  so  I  merely  stam- 
mered  out  Miss  Alice's  message. 


I 


■ 


''y'-mmmammmttm 


Itlt 


THE  SECRET  POflROW. 


Hi 


nt  you  to  do  me  a 

'What  is  it?' 
i  take  this  note  to 
le  spoke  his  name, 
are  ready  to  ac- 
re in  his  carriage, 
nd  I  want  you  to 

e  to?' 

tly,  '  and  in  the 
from  my  father, 
ce  till  to-morrow. 

ok  the  note  and 
and  it  was  dark 
int  into  the  hall, 
'he  note  for  Lord 
as  I  came  along, 

23  on  me  in  hia 

of  a  flutter,  for 
liarsh  and  cold. 
Oliver  it  to  him.' 
ut  of  my  hand. 
I  merely  stam- 


• 


"  *Tes,'  said  he,  '  I  will  be  ready  in  a  moment.  Step  in 
here  while  I  hand  this  note  to  Arudale.' 

•'I  went  into  a  little  dark  room;  I  waited  about  five 
minutes  when  he  returned  and  told  me  to  follow  him.  We 
passed  out  to  whore  the  carriage  stood  without  meeting  any 
one.  We  drove,  as  you  remember,  to  th'j  outer  gate  at  the 
Pines,  where  Miss  Alice  met  us,  got  in,  sad  has  never  spoken 
a  single  word  since.  Poor,  dear,  young  lady !"  said  Janie, 
wiping  her  eyes  as  she  ceased  speaking. 

"Well,"  said  John,  thoughtfully,  "that  shows  she  did 
come  without  being  forced.  Yet  there's  something  wrong 
about  it.  Master  told  me  he  wanted  me  for  very  particular 
business,  and  as  I'd  been  in  the  family  so  long,  he  thought  he 
could  trust  me.  He  said  all'l  had  to  do  was  to  drive  where  he 
directed,  keep  silent  about  the  matter,  and  he  would  make  me 
comfortable  for  life.     It  looks  like  bribery,  don't  it,  Janie." 

"Yes,  John,  and  I  wish  Miss  Alice  was  safe  at  home 
again.  I  don't  like  this  business  at  all.  The  carl  is  a 
strange  man,  John,  and  I  know  he  is  anxious  to  get  Miss 
Alice  out  of  his  son's  way.  Hark!  what's  that?"  she  ex- 
claimed, springing  to  her  feet  in  alarm,  as  the  sound  of  foot- 
steps overhead  came  distinctly  to  their  cars. 

"  It  sounds  like  some  one  walking"  doesn't  it?  "  said  John, 
growing  white  with  fear. 

"Oh,  good  Heaven  !  it  must  be  the  ghost !  "  gasped  Janie, 
clinging  to  her  companion  in  horror. 

Both  listened  intently  for  some  moments,  but  aW  was  pro- 
foundly silent  again. 


•¥i  iiildi  liii 


24 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


"It  must  have  been  the  wind,"  said  John,  drawing  a  long 
breath;  "all's  still  now." 

Again  they  listened,  but  nothing  met  their  ears  save  the 
howling  of  the  v,hul. 

"Yes,  it  was  the  wind-nothing  else,"  said  John,  with 
renewed  confidence.  "We're  easily  scared  here,  Janie- 
There,  don't  be  afraid,  I'll  go  and  bring  in  something  for 
breakfast.     Perhaps  your  young  lady  may  take  something. 

John  went  out,  leaving  Janie  trembling  with  fear ;  even  the 
fire  seemed  to  chill  her  now,  she  shivered  so  convulsively. 
In  a  few  moments  John  appeared  again,  bearing  the  materi- 
als for  a  good  meal. 

"Here,"  he  said,  with  an  effort  at  gayety;  «'we  won't 
starve  at  any  rate.     Help  yourself,  Janie." 

"I  don't  want  any,  thank  you;  I  cannot  eat  here;  but 
perhaps  Miss  Alice  may.     I'll  give  her  this. ' ' 
And  she  poured  some  wino  in  a  glass. 
"Here,  Miss  Alice,"  she  said,  stooping  down  over  the 
prostrate  figure,  "  here  is  some  wine  for  you— drink  it." 

"No,  no,  take  it  away,  I  don't  want  any,"  murmured  the 
faint  voice  of  the  kdy.     "  Let  me  alone." 

"But  you  must  take  it,  dear  Miss  Alice,"  said  Janie. 
"I>o — for  my  sake,  noT.." 

And  she  passed  an  ai-m  under  her  shoulders  and  li'ted  her 
up.  As  she  did  so,  the  heavy  cloak  fell  back,  displaying  a 
pale,  sweet  face.  A  shower  of  golden  hair  fell  rippling  down 
her  back.  She  raised  her  eyes-large,  liquid,  bezel  eyes— 
to  Janie'9  face,  and  said,  faintly : 


i 


mm 


T  ffBliWJMMWtfg'^gaW 


t^r:' 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


25 


I,  drawing  a  long 

leir  ears  save  the 

said  Jolin,  with 
■ed  here,  Janie- 
n  something  for 
tkc  something, 
th  fear ;  even  the 
so  convulsively, 
iring  the  materi- 

^ty,  "we  won't 

t  eat  heie;  but 


down  over  the 
-drink  it." 
'  murmured  the 

>"  said  Janie. 

i  and  li'ted  her 
sk,  displaying  a 
1  rippling  down 
J,  hc3el  eyes— 


I 


♦'  I  don't  want  it,  Janie.    Take  it  away.' 

"Now,  Miss  Alice,"  said  Janie,  decidedly,  " you  must 
take  it.  You  must  cat  something,  if  j'ou  expect  to  live. 
Here,  drink  this  wine  at  least."  and  she  held  it  to  her  lips. 

Finding  there  was  no  escape,  the  lady  drank  it,  then  push- 
ing away  the  offered  food,  she  said,  sadl}' : 

"  Janie,  I  cannot  take  it.     Let  me  alone,  now — please  do?  " 

She  raised  the  wistful  brown  eyes  so  pleadingly,  that 
Janie  could  not  refuse.  With  a  sigh  she  arose  and  took  her 
seat  in  the  chimner-corner  again,  and  watched  John,  whose 
fear  of  ghosts  seemed  in  no  way  to  have  diminished  his  ap- 
petite. 

"Here's  some  excellent  ham,  Janie,"  said  John,  "  as  you 
said  yourself  to  Miss  Alice  just  now,  you  can't  aspect  to 
live  without  eating." 

Janie  smiled  faintly,  but  shook  her  head. 

"Not  now,  John;  I'll  eat  by  and  by  if  I  feel  hungry. 
Meantime  let  us  think  of  some  plan  to  deliver  Miss  Alice 
from  the  earl's  power." 

John  carefully  stowed  away  the  remains  of  his  breakfast, 
out  of  reach  of  the  ghosts,  replenished  the  fire,  and  sat  down 
beside  Janie  to  consult  what  was  to  bp  done. 

The  weary  hours  dragged  slowly,  very  slowly  on,  to  the 
two  sitting  by  the  fire,  awaiting  the  approach  of  night  with 
beating  hearts. 


m^ 


ii 


n 


•!  i, 


86 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


CHAITER  IV. 

LADY    DAN  EMORE. 

"  Cah'3t  thou  no  kindly  ray  impart, 
Thou  strangely  beauteous  one? 
Fairer  than  fairest  work  of  art, 
Yet  cold  a:,  sculptured  stone?"— OrtZway. 

Meanwhile,  through  the  splashing  raiu,  over  the  soft,  ,vet, 
boggy  raoor,  galloped  the  earl.  The  moor  was  passea,  the 
flat  open  plain  lay  before  him,  u  few  straggling  cots  appeared 
in  view,  the  hum  of  busy  life  came  already  to  his  ear. 

A  few  hard-working  peasants,  on  their  way  to  their  day's 
toil,  looked  up  in  surprise  as  the  horse  flew  past.  It  was  an 
unusual  thing  to  see  a  horseman  riding  at  such  a  pace  across 
the  moor  at  that  early  hour  of  morning.  At  last  the  earl 
became  conscious  that  he  was  attracting  observation,  which 
of  all  things  he  wished  most  to  avoid,  and  dropping  the  rein 
upon  the  horse's  neck,  be  leaned  his  head  upon  his  breast, 
and  gave  way  to  his  reflections.  They  were  far  from  pleas- 
ant, as  might  be  seen  in  the  frequent  knitting  of  his  brow, 
and  the  convulsive  twitching  of  his  lip^. 

♦'It  must  be  so,"  he  muttered,  at  length,  unconsciously 
aloud.  "  She  must  remain  in  the  old  Moor  Manor  for  the 
present  at  least.    I  did  intend  conveying  her  to  Stanton,  and 


i 


•mfm 


r— », 


rt, 
s? 

" — Ordway. 

ver  the  soft,  ivet, 
was  passea,  the 
ng  cots  appeared 
o  his  ear. 
ly  to  their  day's 
last.  It  was  an 
ch  a  pace  across 
At  last  the  earl 
servation,  which 
ropping  the  rein 
jpon  his  breast, 
far  from  pleas- 
Dg  of  his  brow, 

1,  unconsciously 
'  Manor  for  the 
to  Stanton,  and 


< 


■  THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


27 


secreting  her  there,  but  my  abaencc  at  the  same  time  with 
her  may  excite  suspicion,  which  I  particularly  wish  to  avoid. 
Those  servants,  too,  cowardly  fools !  may  give  me  trouble, 
by  refusing  to  reniaiu  with  her  there,  for  fear  of  ghosts.  That 
phantom  last  night — what  could  it  moan  ?  The  place  has  long 
borne  the  reputation  of  being  haunted,  but  I  am  not  fool 
enough  to  believe  any  such  ridiculous  nursery  tale  as  that. 
Some  one  must  act  the  ghost  to  frighten  people  away.  Yet 
it  cannot  be  inhabited  ;  no  one  would  dwell  in  such  a  tumble- 
down, desolate  place.  I  shall  have  it  thoroughly  searched, 
however,  and  if  convinced  there  is  no  one  there,  I  shall  take 
care  that  those  servants  do  stay  with  Alice  Desmond,  at  least 
until  they  can  be  safely  disposed  of  elsewhere." 

He  paused  for  a  moment,  and  putting  spurs  to  his  horse, 
rode  rapidly  along,  then  gradually  resumed  his  former  easy 
trot,  and  muttered,  like  one  whose  mind  is  made  up : 

"  Yes,  it  must  be  done.  I  am  sorry,  for  the  sake  of  both, 
that  I  am  obliged  to  resort  to  such  extreme  measures ;  but  it 
cannot  be  helped.  Arndale  shall  never  marry  the  daughter 
of  Hugh  Desmond.  In  him  are  centered  ali  my  hopes  now. 
Had  Walter  lived,  the  case  would  have  been  different.  Henry 
might  then  have  married,  if  he  chose  to  be  such  a  fool,  a  girl 
without  fortune  ;  but  never,  even  theil,  should  he  wed  one  ia 
whose  veins  ran  a  drop  of  the  Desmond  blood.  Now,  how- 
ever, the  idea  of  his  marrying  a  portionless  wife  is  simply, 
utterly,  and  decidedly  impoFiiblc.  He  must  and  shall  marry 
one  whose  fortunes  at  least  equals  his  own.  And  now  for 
Dirritole." 


28 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


As  ho  ceased  speaking,  he  rode  rapidly  forward,  and  soon 
left  the  moor  far  behind. 

,  Three  hours'  hard  riding  brought  him  to  his  journey's  end, 
and  he  drew  rein  before  the  outer  gate  of  the  noble  estate  of 
Dirritole.  A  groom  in  waiting  took  charge  of  his  horse  ;  and 
the  earl  turned  slowly  and  thoughtfully  up  a  shaded  avenue 
that  led  to  the  house.  The  family  mansion  of  Dirritole  was 
a  quaint,  large,  old-fashioned  building  of  dark  gray  stone, 
with  peaked  turrets,  sloping  gable,  and  deep  bay-windows.' 
There  was  a  still,  quiet,  stagnant  air  of  repose  about  the 
place,  that  spoke  well  for  the  gravity  of  its  occupants.  Even 
Stag,  the  lazy  old  mastiff,  had  an  air  of  dignified  reserve 
about  him,  which  he  had  probably  learned  from  his  betters, 
as  he  walked  slowly  up  to  salute  his  master. 

The  carl  went  up  a  flight  of  stone  steps  that  led  to  the  hall. 
There  were  doors  opening  on  either  side,  and  into  one  of 
these,  on  the  left  of  the  hall,  he  entered. 

The  room  was  large,  and  splendidly  furnished.  A  rich 
velvet  carpet,  wreathed  wth  flowers  and  buds,  so  natural  that 
one  hesitated  to  advance,  for  fear  of  crushing  them,  covered 
the  floor.  The  ceiling  was  fantastically  and  gracefully  dec- 
orated with  oriental  tracery  of  raised  gold  on  a  blue  ground. 
The  walls  were  covered  with  paintings,  rare  gems  of  art— 
many  of  thcni  worth  their  weight  in  gold.  Statues  and  busts 
of  exquisite  finish  were  carelessly,  yet  with  artistic  t.aste, 
scattered  aiound.  Heavy  curtains  of  crimson-damask  d  aped 
the  lofty  window,  and  cast  a  pleasant  rose-hucd  i\ght 
through  the  apartment.    The  air  was  heavy  with  the  perfame 


>rward,  and  aoon 

lis  journey's  end, 

0  noble  estate  of 
)f  his  horse  ;  and 

1  shaded  avenue 
of  Dirritole  was 

lark  gray  stone, 
sp  bay-windows. 
?p^se  about  the 
ccupants.  Even 
lignifled  reserve 
•om  his  betters, 

t  led  to  the  hall, 
nd  into  one  of 

lished.  A  rich 
,  80  natural  that 
;  them,  covered 

gracefully  dec- 
a  blue  ground, 
gems  of  art— 
atues  and  busts 

artistic  taste, 
damask  d  aped 
pose-hucd  iight 
itb  the  perfame 


/ 


TEffi  SECRET  SORROW. 


M 


breathed  from  a  vase  of  rare  exotics  that  stood  on  the  marble 
table. 

But  by  far  the  fairest  sight  in  that  gorgeous  room  was  its 
mistress.  She  lay  languidly  back  in  the  large  arm  chair,  half 
buried  in  a  pile  of  soft  cushions  ;  the  mellow  light  falling  like 
a  halo  on  her  regal  brow.  The  jet-black  hair  was  braided  in 
heavy  plaits  aroiuul  her  finely-formed  head,  seeming  a  strik- 
ing contrast  to  the  pearly  whiteness  of  her  face.  Not  a 
single  trace  of  color  was  perceptible,  save  a  faint  tint  on  the 
exquisitely-chiseled  lips.  The  large,  shadowy  black  eyes  were 
cast  downwards,  and  the  long,  jetty  lashes  rested  on  the 
pearly  cheeks.  Her  small,  white  hands  lay  folded,  with  a 
weary,  listless  air,  in  her  lap,  and  altogether  "my  lady" 
wore  a  sad,  lonely  air,  that  one  would  hardly  expect  to  see  on 
the  face  of  the  proud  and  beautiful  Countess  of  Dancmore. 
And  yet  it  was  its  usual  expression — few  people  could  boast 
of  ever  having  seen  a  smile  on  the  fair  face  of  the  Mistress 
of  Dirritole.  Very  seldom  were  those  white  lids  raised  from 
above  the  dusky,  shadowy  eyes,  seemingly  dragged  down  by 
the  weight  of  the  long,  black  lashes.  The  thin  lips  were 
compressed  with  a  hard,  bitter  expression,  strangely  out  of 
place  on  the  face  of  one  so  young  and  beautiful.  During  the 
six  long  years  which  had  passed  since  she  had  first  crossed 
the  threshold  of  Dirritole  as  its  mistress,  no  one  could  say 
.;hey  had  ever  seen  the  faintest  trace  of  any  emotion  on  that 
calm,  pallid  face.  No  light  ever  arose  to  those  deep,  dark 
eyes ;  the  fire  which  must  have  once  burned  there  seemed  to 
have  gone  out  forever,  in  the  dim,  dark  clouds  of  some  un- 

8« 


/ 


80  THE  SECRET  SORROW. 

known  Borrow.  Smiles  wcro  rare  visitora  to  those  beautiful 
lips,  coining  now  and  then  like  rare  flashes  of  light  across 
that  shadowy  face ;  coming  for  a  moment  and  lingering  with 
a  mournfid  sweetness,  far  sadder  to  sec  than  even  her  usual 
cold,  passionless  manner,  and  again  vanishing  like  the  fleet- 
ing glance  of  a  moonbeam  on  the  snow.  The  proud  world 
sometimes  condescended  to  wonder  what  could  h.avo  over 
changed  my  lady  into  the  culm  statue  she  was ;  and  yet 
changed  is  hardly  the  word — no  one  could  remember  to  have 
ever  seen  her  otherwise.  With  the  heavy  Ipshcs  ever  droop- 
ing downward  over  those  mournful  black  eyes,  my  lady 
bs'oodcd  in  silence  over  the  past  hidden  from  all  other  eyes. 
She  sat  now  in  her  usual  position,  with  her  hands  folded 
quietly  together  in  her  lap ;  her  eyes  fixed  intently  on  the 
carpet,  as  if  studying  its  figure,  witliout  the  slightest  expres- 
sion on  the  quiet  face  to  betoken  of  what  she  sat  musing  so 
intently. 

Respectfully,  almost  reverentially,  the  earl  advanced  to- 
ward her,  and,  stooping,  touched  lightly  with  his  lips  the 
broad,  white  brow  of  the  lady.  The  large  eyes  were  for  a 
moment  raised  from  the  floor  and  fixed  on  his  lace  ;  but  no 
sparkle  of  pleasure  shone  in  them  at  his  appearance ;  one 
little  hand  was  extended  and  laid  in  his,  as  in  a  low,  musical 
voice  she  murmured : 

"Welcome  home,  my  lord." 

The  strong  foreign  accent  with  which  my  lady  spoke,  at 
once  proved  her  to  be  a  foreigner — as,  indeed,  any  one  might 
guess  from  the  peculiar  style  of  her  beauty,    This  done  with 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


81 


to  those  beautiful 
03  of  liglit  across 
md  lingering  with 
m  even  licr  usual 
ing  liko  the  llcet- 
The  proiul  world 
could  have  ever 
he  was ;  and  yet 
remember  to  have 
Ip.shcs  ever  droop- 
k  cj'cs,  my  lady 
om  all  other  eyes, 
her  hands  folded 
:d  intently  on  the 
B  slightest  cxpres- 
shc  sat  musing  so 

earl  advanced  to- 
with  his  lips  the 
je  eyes  were  for  a 
his  lace ;  but  no 
appearance ;  one 
;  in  a  low,  musical 


my  lady  spoke,  at 
•ed,  any  one  might 
',    This  done  with 


an  evident  effort,  the  small  hands  were  again  folded,  the 
dreamy  eyes  again  sought  the  lloor,  and  the  countess  was  lost 
once  more  in  that  dream-land  :ii  which  she  lived — that  myste- 
rious shore  which  no  eye  sees  but  her  own. 

For  a  moment  tiiecnrl  stood  behind  her  chair,  gazing  down 
fondly  yet  longingly  into  that  still  beautiful  fiico.  Perhaps 
he,  too,  was  longing  to  draw  away  the  vail  that  had  hid  the 
thoughts  of  his  wife.  One  would  scarcely  recognize,  with 
the  tender,  subdued  expression  his  face  now  wore,  the  hard, 
stern,  cruel  tyrant  of  the  night  before. 

A  strange  contrast  they  bolii  formed  in  that  splendid  room 
— ho  so  tall,  harah,  and  forbidding,  with  his  iron-gray  hair, 
and  the  deep  curves  and  lines  that  ago,  trouble,  or  remorse, 
perhaps,  had  stamped  there.  She  so  young,  so  beautiful,  so 
desolate,  and  lonely-looking,  as  if  all  that  had  ever  made  earth 
dear  to  her  had  gone  forever.  People  wondered  sometimca 
why  she  had  ever  married  one  old  enough  to  be  her  father, 
and  who  had  already  a  son  older  than  herself,  but  no  one 
ever  presumed  to  question  either.  The  earl  was  too  much 
feared,  and  no  one,  not  even  the  boldest,  presumed  to  ask 
the  countess.  Without  speaking  a  word — without  even  rais- 
ing her  eyes — she  commanded  involuntary  homage.  In  vain 
they  wondered  and  inwardly  chafed  at  it ;  in  spite  of  them- 
selves, they  would  involuntarily  hold  their  breath  when  she 
spoke,  and  reply  in  tones  strangely  low  and  subdued. 

Suddenly  the  earl's  meditations  were  brought  to  an  end  by 
the  unceremonious  opening  of  the  parlor  door,  and  a  young 
lady  entered.     The  new-comer  might  be  about  twenty  years 


a 


83 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


t 


of  age,  of  middle  size,  with  a  fine,  sweet  figure,  and  peculiar- 
ly graceful  carriage,  albeit  iier  only  pretentions  to  beauty. 
Her  face  was  far  from  liandsome — not  even  pretty ;  and 
the  haughty,  erect  form — the  bold,  highbrow — the  firm,  reso- 
lute conipresHion  of  her  lip»,  and  the  decided,  almost  stern 
exprcHHiou  of  Iier  features  bespoke  a  pride  unsubdued — a 
resolute,  unbending,  not  to  Hay  obstinate  will ;  and  an  energy 
and  determination  not  to  lie  shaken.  Yet  still  she  was  not 
homely ;  in  fact,  the  general  opinion  formed  of  Kate  Sidney 
woa  that  she  was  a  plain,  yet  graceful  and  lady-like  woman, 
with  rather  more  energy  and  firmness  than  usually  falls  to 
the  lot  of  the  daughters  of  Eve,  and  of  rather  lan  obstinate 
turn  of  mind  ;  but  that  was  a  failing  inherent  in  her  mother's 
family. 

Kate  Sidney  was  an  orphan.  Her  mother  had  been  a  sis- 
ter to  the  Earl  of  Danemoic  ;  but  she,  as  well  as  her  husband 
(who  was  colonel  of  a  regiment) ,  had  died  ere  Kate  had  at- 
tained the  ago  of  fifteen.  As  the  orphan,  or  rather  orphans 
(for  Kate  had  a  brother  one  year  yoi'nger  than  herself) ,  were 
poor  and  friendless,  having  no  relp'^ns  from  whom  they 
could  claim  a  home,  save  himself,  the  earl  had  taken  them 
both ;  and  Kate  Sidney  and  her  brother  Charley,  had,  ever 
since  that  time,  found  a  home  at  Dirritolo. 

Though  naturally  of  an  affectionate  difiposition,  and  really 
loving  her  uncle.  Miss  Sidney  was  an  exceedingly  undemon- 
strative young  lady  ;  she,  therefore,  passed  him  with  a  slight 
but  respectful  bow,  saying,  quietly : 

"  You  have  returned  sooner  than  we  expected,  uncle  ;  I  be- 


lire,  nnd  peculiar- 
tions  to  beniity. 
»'cn  pretty;  and 
V — thoflrm,  reso- 
led, almost  stern 
lo  unsubdued — a 
11 ;  and  an  energy 
itill  slio  wns  not 
I  of  Kate  Sidney 
ady-likc  woman, 
1  usually  falls  to 
her  nn  obstinate 
it  in  her  mother'! 

*  had  been  a  sis- 
ill  as  her  husband 
ere  Kate  had  at- 
r  rather  orphans 
an  herself) ,  were 
from  whom  they 
had  taken  them 
liarley,  had,  ever 

iition,  and  really 
dingly  undemon- 
hira  with  a  slight 

!ted,  uncle ;  I  be- 


TTTE  RUrRET  BORROW. 


.13 


Here  yon  told  m  you  were  not  coming  bark   for  a  week  at 
least." 

"  Suoli  wnn  my  intention,"  replied  tlie  earl,  onlmly  ;  «'  but 
I  found  it  rioroHsary  to  make  some  cliunjre  in  th<i  businesi 
which  called  me  from  home.  As  F  did  not  go  as  far  an  I  in- 
tended at  starting,  T  fancied  taking  a  ride  over  here  this 
morning,  to  see  if  last  night's  storm  ditl  any  damage.  I  shall 
be  obliged  to  leave  this  evening  again." 

"  What  a  terrible  night  last  niglit  was  !  The  lightning  wae 
really  awful.  It  must  have  been  dreadful  for  any  one  to  be 
out.  I  could  hardly  rest  all  night  for  fancying  you  might  be 
exposed  to  it." 

This  was  a  homo  thrust ;  and  had  Kate  chanced  to  K^ok  up 
into  her  uncle's  face  as  he  spoke,  she  might  have  seen  the 
sudden  start  he  gave,  and  the  guilty  look  that  rested  on  hi« 
countenance. 

For  the  earl,  harbh  and  cruel  though  he  was,  had  not  yet 
become  so  deeply  involved  in  guilt  as  to  listen  to  the  voice  of 
conscience  without  some  slight  feeling  of  remorse.  Kate, 
however,  did  not  notice  his  look  ;  but  turning  to  the  window, 
gazed  out  with  a  rather  dissatisfied  air. 

"  Rain  !  rain  !  drizzle  !  drizzle  !  will  it  never  stop,  I  won- 
der !"  she  exclaimed  in  a  slightly  impatient  voice.  "  Hero  1 
have  been  wanting  to  visit  the  Pines  all  this  week  and  have 
not  been  able  to  stir  out  of  doors  for  the  rain  ;  but  I  am  de- 
termined to  go  to-day,  whether  it  rains  or  nv^t."  And  Miss 
Kate  looked  resolutely  out,  as  if  determined  to  convince  the 
weather  that  her  mind  was  made  up  not  to  be  altered. 


84 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


"  Why,  is  there  anything  wrong  there  that  you  are  so  anx- 
ious to  go?"  inquired  the  carl,  in  an  indifferent  tone,  though 
a  spectator  might  have  seen  the  concealed  nervousness  of  his 
manner. 

"Oh!  no;  but  it  is  two  whole  weeks  since  I  have  seen 
Alice,  and  she  has  not  even  sent  me  a  message,  I  must  go 
and  refresh  her  memory,  or  else  she  will  forget  me  altogether. 
And  by  the  way,  my  lord,"  she  added,  suddenly,  "when 
does  Lord  Amdale  return  home?" 

The  earl,  who  stood  leaning  with  one  hand  resting  on  the 
back  of  my  lady's  chair,  started  violently  at  the  abrupt  men- 
tion of  this  son's  name,  and  answered,  rather  hastily  : 

"  How  do  I  know?  In  a  few  days,  I  suppose.  I  cannot 
give  you  an  account  of  his  comings  and  goings  to  the  precise 
moment.     Amdale  is  his  own  master." 

Kate  looked  up  in  her  uncle's  face,  and  opened  her  eyes 
with  astonishment  at  his  angry  look.  The  earl,  however,  did 
not  choose  to  meet  her  eye,  but  turning  away  abruptly,  was 
about  to  quit  the  room,  when  a  servant  entered  with  several 
letters,  which  Lad  just  arrived.  The  earl  seized  them,  and 
throwing  himself  into  an  easy-chair,  began  with  nervous  haste 
to  look  at  the  superscriptions. 

'■'Any  for  me?"  inquired  Kate,  eagerly. 

"No,"  was  the  curt  answer. 

"Too  bad,  positively,"  muttered  Kate,  turning  again  to 
the  window,  and  glancing  with  a  troubled  look  at  the  dull, 
gloomy  sky.  "Alice  might  write  ai  least ;  she's  really  un- 
kind to  forget  her  friends  like  this.     But  perhaps  I  do  her 


I 


"TT*^? 


B  that  you  are  so  anx- 
lifferent  tone,  though 
led  nervousness  of  his 

ks  since  I  hare  seen 

message,  I  must  go 

[  forget  me  altogether. 

;d,  suddenly,  "when 

1  hand  resting  on  the 
:ly  at  the  abrupt  men- 
rather  hastily : 
I  suppose.     I  cannot 
I  goings  to  the  precise 

,  and  opened  her  eyes 
rhe  earl,  however,  did 
g  away  abruptly,  was 
t  entered  with  several 
earl  seized  them,  and 
;an  with  nervous  haste 

rly. 

ite,  turning  again  to 
ibled  look  at  the  dull, 
last ;  she's  really  un- 
But  perhaps  I  do  her 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


85 


injustice — she  may  be  ill,  or  something  else  may  have  pre- 
vented her,  though,  in  any  case,  I  think  she  might  have  sent 
Janie  or  some  of  thrm  to  let  me  know.  It  is  very  singular 
altogether,  and  I  really  begin  to  feel  anxious ;  so  let  the 
weather  be  what  it  may,  I  will  ride  over  to  the  Tines  this 
very  afternoon,  and  see  what  is  the  matter." 

The  latter  part  of  Kate's  soliloquy  was  delivered  iu  a  low 
tone,  not  loud  enough  for  the  others  to  hear.  As  she  ceased 
speaking,  she  turned  from  the  window,  and  caught  her  uncle's 
eyes  fixed  upon  her.     In.  his  hand  he  held  an  open  letter, 

which  he  had  just  finished  reading. 

"Well,  Miss  Sidney,"  said  the  carl,  with  a  quiet  sneer,  "1/ 

you  have  done  muttering  to  yourself,  perhaps  you  will  honor 

me  with  a  few  moment's  attention." 
Kate  looked  a  little  surprised,  and  not  altogether  pleased 

at  her  uncle's  style  of  remark,  but  she  merely  bowed,  and 

stood  waiting,  in  respectful  silence,  until  he  should  again 

tpoak. 

He  glanced  at  the  letter  he  held  once  more,  then  holding  it 
up  he  said  quietly : 

"This  letter  is  from  a  sister  of  mine  in  the  United  States. 
You  may  read  it,  as  it  explains  itself  better  than  I  can  do.  I 
must  promise,  however,  that  the  young  lady  of  whom  it  speaks 
is  my  niece,  her  mother  having  been  a  sister  of  mine,  conse- 
quently she  is  your  cousin.  You  have  doubtless  heard  of  her 
before— this  my  dear,"  went  on  the  earl,  in  rather  a  kinder 
tone  than  he  had  yet  used.  "Her  mother,  as  you  are  aware, 
married  an  American — one  altogether  beneath  her,  both  in 


mm 


^ omA!  1 1 '  i|I  ■• 


86 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


i  .-! 


rt! 


jf 


wealth  and  station.     With  him  she  went  to  America ;  and  for 
a  long  time  we  heard  nothing  of  her,  as  she  had  been  cast  off 
by  the  family  eighteen  years  ago.     Some  time  since,  I  re- 
ceived ft  letter  from  my  sister,  saying  that  hei  husband  had 
died  with  the  yellow  fever,  which  was  making  great  ravages 
in  New  Orleans,  the  city  in  which  they  resided.     It  further- 
more stated,  she  had  a  daughter,  sixteen  years  of  age,  de- 
pending on  her,  and  that  she  was  extremely  poor.     As  I  dis- 
like family  quarrels,  and  really  felt  an  affection  for  Marie,  I 
answered  her  letter  immediately,  inclosing  a  sum  of  money, 
and  invited  her  to  come  back  to  England  with  her  daughter— 
whose  name,  by  the  way,  is  Margaret  Nelson.     This  invita- 
tion she  has  accepted,  and— but  the  letter  will  explain   the 
rest.     Read  it  aloud,  your  aunt  may  perhaps  wish  to  hear  it." 

This  was  spoken  inquiringly,  and  my  lady,  who  had  seem- 
ingly heard  not  a  word  of  the  foregoing  speech,  now  raised 
for  a  moment  her  heavy  eyelids,  and  bent  her  graceful  head 
m  token  of  acquiescence. 

Kate  took  the  letter  her  uncle  extended  to  her,  and  read 

aloud : 

"  My  Dear  Bkother:— In  compliance  with  your  exceedingly  kind 
invitation,  I  and  my  daughter  are  to  start  to-morrow  for  dear  England, 
which  I  sincerely  long  to  behold  once  more— though  my  home  here  has, 
until  very  lately,  been  exceedingly  happy.  Maggie  is  in  raptures  at  the 
idea  of  visiting  England,  in  fact  she  seems  perfectly  wild  with  delight. 
However,  this  must  be  ascribed  to  the  buoyant  spirits  of  youth,  al- 
•  though  Maggie  is  different  from  most  girls  of  her  age.  She  is,  I  regret 
to  say,  exceedingly  wild,  and  continually  needs  the  most  watchful  care. 
The  captain  of  the  vessel  in  which  we  are  to  sail  is  a  personal  friend  of 
mine,  and  he  has  kindly  agreed  to  see  us  safely  at  our  journey's  end,  so 
that  you  need  not  put  yourself  to  any  inconvenience  in  coming  to  meet 


idHQi 


rrr- 


'-A-:  ;-irK»'.'.-3fVW:" 


;  to  Aoierica ;  and  for 
she  had  been  cast  off 
me  time  since,  I  re- 
hat  hei  husband  had 
making  great  ravages 
resided.     It  further- 
;en  years  of  age,  de- 
mely  poor.     As  I  dis- 
affection for  Marie,  I 
sing  a  sum  of  money, 
id  with  her  daughter — 
Nelson.     This  invita- 
etter  will  explain   the 
irhaps  wish  to  hear  it." 
f  lady,  who  had  seem- 
ig  speech,  now  raised 
ent  her  graceful  head 

ided  to  her,  and  read 

ith  your  exceedingly  kind 
morrow  for  dear  England, 
-though  my  home  here  has, 
Maggie  is  in  raptures  at  the 
perfectly  wild  with  delight, 
lyant  spirits  of  youth,  al- 
t  her  age.  She  is,  I  regret 
eds  the  most  watchful  care, 
sail  is  a  personal  friend  of 
'ely  at  our  journey's  end,  so 
renieace  in  coming  to  meet 


THE  SECR3T  SORROW.  97 

T,Z'j^z:::zr  •  "'""■  ""•"■•  ""'"■■  "••'■  -  ""«■  •- 

"  With  many  thanks  for  your  kindness,  I  remain 

There  was  silence  for  a  moment  after  the  perusal  of  this 
letter.     Both  the  earl  and  Kate  looked  dissatisfied,  for  both 
were  far  from  delighted  at  the  idea  of  having  a  wild  hoiden 
(such  as  they  concluded  Miss  Nelson  to  be),  to  disturb  the 
calm  and  peaceful  serenity  of  Dirritole.     My  lady's  face 
wore  its  usual  expression  of  utter  listless  indifference-like 
one  who  takes  no  interest  whatever  in  the  subject  under  dis- 
cussion  ;  nevertheles8,it  was  her  voice  that  first  broke  the  silence 
"  And  this  young  lady  will  arrive  in  a  few  days,  I  presume," 
Bhe  said,  quietly,  without  raising  her  eyes  from  the  floor. 

"I  suppose  so.     In  fact,  I  think  she  will  arrived  very 
shortly,  for  I  see,  by  the  date,  the  letter  has  been  delayed  " 
and  the  earl  bit  his  lip  impatiently ;  -  and  we  will  have  oiir 
bves  plagued  out  with  this  half-civilized  Yankee,  and  her  ne- 
gro servant.     If  I  had  known  she  was  such  a  hoiden,  as  I 
presume  she  is,  from  Marie's  letter,  I  should  have  let  her  re- 
main at  home,  for  I  have  no  idea  of  having  every  thing  turned 
topsy-turvy  for  her.     I  suppose  peace  will  fly  at  her  arrival ; 
at  least  the  little  that  remains  since  the  advent  of  that  preciou^ 
young  scoundrel,  Sidney.     It  won't  do  to  have  two  such  high- 
fliers here  together.    Charley  must  be  sent  off  to  Dublin,  where 
he  came  from,  as  soon  as  the  new-comer  arrives.    Eh,  Kate  ?" 
"As  you  please,  my  lord;  it  is  quite  immaterial  to  me," 
replied  Kate,  quietly. 

"  But  it  will  hardly  be  courteous  or  hospitable,  my  lord," 


..<Ai 


difliK 


88 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


interposed  the  low,  clear  voice  of  my  lady,  "  to  treat  ♦his  or- 
phan girl  as  cavalierly  aa  you  propose  doing,  after  she  ar- 
rives. Consider  she  J'^s  no  friends  here,  save  yourself,  and 
that  she  is  your  sister's  daughter — even  though  she  is  some- 
what wild ;  and  wildness  in  youth  is  not  a  crime  unpardon- 
able." 

It  wag  geldom  the  countess  utte  'cd  so  many  words  at  one- 
and  so  unusual  was  it  for  her  to  take  the  slightest  interest  in 
any  subject  that  both  the  earl  and  Kate  listened,  surprised. 
Yet  it  could  hardly  be  called  an  interest ;  not  the  slightest  ex- 
pression moved  the  marble-like  face  as  she  spoke,  the  snowy 
hands  lay  folded  as  listlessly  as  ever,  the  dark  eyes  were  not 
once  raised,  yet  those  few  words,  spoken  so  quietly,  almost 
indifferently,  produced  a  deeper  impression  on  the  earl  than 
If  another  had  been  pleading  eloquently  the  case  of  the  or- 
phan for  hours. 

"Very  well,"  he  replied,  with  smiling  courtesy,  which  no 
one  could  assume  better  than  he  when  he  chose,  "your  lady- 
ship's will  shall  be  my  law,  though  it  scarcely  needed  your 
words  to  make  me  remember  the  duties  of  hospitality.  I 
trust  no  one  beneath  my  roof  will  ever  so  far  forget  them- 
selves as  to  treat  with  the  slightest  disrespect  any  guest  of 
mine.  Certaiuly  /  shall  never  set  them  the  example. "  And 
with  graceful  ease  he  raised  one  of  her  little  white  hands  to 
his  lips,  and  turning  on  his  heel  strode  from  the  room. 

Kate  lingered  for  a  moment,  gazing  out  at  the  murky  sky ; 
then,  she  too,  turned  and  quitted  the  apartment. 


J 


t  treat  ♦his  or- 
after  she  ar- 
yourself,  and 
she  is  some- 
ne  unpardon- 

^ords  at  one* 
!st  interest  in 
ed,  surprised, 
e  slightest  ex- 
ce,  the  snowy 
syes  were  not 
aietly,  almost 
ihe  earl  than 
ie  of  the  or- 

sy,  which  no 
"your  lady- 
needed  your 
Dspltality.  I 
forget  them- 
my  guest  of 
nple."  And 
ite  hands  to 
room. 
!  murky  sky ; 


J 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


89 


CHAPTER  V. 

▲  CLEW  TO  THE  LOST  OVE. 

"  How  can  the  glintin  sun  shine  bright? 
How  can  the  wiiiiplin  burnie  glide? 
Or  flowers  adorn  the  ingle  side? 

Or  birdies  deign 
The  woods,  and  streams,  and  valei  to  chide? 

Alice  is  gane." — J.  W,h. 

Kate  ran  up  to  her  own  chamber,  an  elegantly  furnished 
little  apartment,  and  rang  the  bell.     The  summons  was  an- 
swered by  a  servant ;  and,  having  given  direction  to  have 
her  horse  saddled  and  brought  round  to  the  gate,  Kate  Sid- 
ney slowly  and  thoughtfully  proceeded  to  don  her  riding- 
habit.     It  was  evidently  not  of  Miss  Maggie  Nelson  she  was 
thinking,  for  Kate  seldom  troubled  herself  about  strangers ; 
she  was,  in  fact,  still  striving  to  solve  che  puzzling  question 
of  her  friend's  conduct,  and  trying  in  vain   to   find  some 
cause  for  her  unusual  silence.     How  little  ^id  she  dream  that 
Alice  Desmond  was  at  that  moment  lying  on  her  rude  couch 
in  the  old  haunted  Moor  Manor. 

Having  completed  her  toilet,  she  descended  the  stairs, 
drawing  on  her  gloves  as  she  went.  As  she  passed  the  open 
parlor-door,  she  glanced  in.  The  countess  lay  back  in  her 
f>.vnnte  position,  gazing  on  the  ground,  as  immovable  as  a 


■/I 


-'v.  .^■■).-Kwmm$^ 


np 


40 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


figure  in  wax-work.  Kate  watched  her  a  moment,  then 
turning  away  with  a  Imlf-mr.ttered,  "How  singular  Auni 
Madeline  is  !"  she  tripped  out  into  the  hal'  A  sudden  noise, 
proceeding  from  a  room  opening  into  the  hall,  attracted  her 
attention.  The  door  being  ajar,  Kate  stepped  softly  for- 
ward, and  looked  in. 

The  room  was  in  a  state  of  the  utmost  disorder.     Books 
papers,  cigar  stumps,  and  a  thousand  and  one  miscellaneous 
articles  lay  scattered  over  the  floor    in  every    direction 
Stretched  at  full  length  on  a  sofa,  in  the  middle  of  the  floor 
and  surrounded  by  a  perfect  chaos  of  disorder,  was  a  young 
gentleman,  quietly  engaged  in  smoking  a  cigar.     Tall,  and 
finely  formed  in  person,  .vith  a  high,  white  forehead,  dark 
chestnut  hair,  and  beautiful  dark-blue  eyes,  in  which  lurked  a 
wicked,  mischievous,  dare-devil  expresdon-Charley  Sidney 
was  decidely  handsome.     Before  him,  on  the  present  occa- 
sion, stood  a  prim,  vinegar-visaged  old  maid,  caUed  Misa 
Dickett,  the  housekeeper  of  the  family. 

Now,  as  Kate  well  knew,  the  housekeeper  was  the  very 
soul  of  neatness,  and  that  the  least  speck  of  dust  was  suffi- 
cient to  give  her  nervous  system  a  severe  shock  ;  she  rightly 
judged  that  the  worthy  virgin  had  entered  to  pour  the  vialg 
of  her  wrath  on  the  devoted  head  of  Master  Charley.     Miss 
Dickett  was  a  privileged  person,  and  ruled  with  a  rod  of  iron 
over  the  heads  of  every  member  of  the  family,  save  that  of 
the  earl's  son.  Lord  Arndale,  on  whom  she  doted.     Mr.  Sid- 
ney, who  was  gesticulating  with  great  force,  had  just  ceased 
speaking  as  Kate  approached.     Neither  of  them  noticed  her, 


-X. 


moment,  then, 

singular  Aunt 

I  sudden  noise, 

I,  attracted  her 

)ed  softly  for- 

irder.     Books, 
'■  miscellaneous 
3ry    direction, 
le  of  the  floor, 
',  was  a  young 
ar.     Tall,  and 
Jrehead,  dark 
'^hich  lurked  a 
barley  Sidney 
present  occa- 
1,  called  Miss 

iras  the  very 
iust  was  suflj- 
;  she  rightly 
>our  the  vialg 
arley.     Miss 
a  rod  of  iron 
save  that  of 
1.     Mr.  Sid- 
l  just  ceased 
noticed  her, 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  ^j 

.nd  Ml«  Dickett  went  on,  in  reply  to  something  the  young 
gentleman  had  said  :  ^    ^ 

to  try  to  keep  to  nghts,  'cause  it's  »„„  than  hcvcr  th,  .Z 

"  ^«"'  but  really,  my  dear  madam, "  began  Master  Ph.^i 
m  an  expostulatory  tone   "  vou  «p»  t    ^'''*°  ^'^  Charley, 

io  t-e  .„.,  0,  z  oZ,  c:  ;:rrri:r 
r::;  or'r.rr r  ■  t'-^  ""-  ™"--- " 

,         ^     '-"'  "'K""  I  encountered  a  passage  in  the 
«fty-elevcn.h  book  o,  Julius  C»s.,  (or  so^e  oti,er  oldl ve) 

"  *  Did  ye  hear  of  the  Widow  Malo'ne? 

Q.     ,.  •    Och  hone. 

She  hvea  near  the  town  of  Athlone, 

Alone."' 

Miss  Dickett  had  listenpd  t«  ♦),!„ 

"srened  to  this  ripeech,  not  very  weU 


I 
■  it 


4« 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


I  5 


knowing  whether  her  young  master  was  in  jest  or  earnest ; 
and  now  taking  advantage  of  the  first  pause,  while  Charley 
was  roposint?  on  his  laurels,  she  gave  vent  to  another  burst  of 
indifinant  feeling.        '  . 

"Yea,  it's  all  very  fine,"  repeated  the  outraged  female, 
"  sl.owin'  off  yer  larniu'  afore  folks.  Yer  needn't  think, 
Mr.  Charles,  you're  the  houly  one  in  the  world  which  is  larned, 
for  I  'ad  a  edification  in  my  youth  as  good  as  hanybody,  so  I 
had,  though  I  never  larned  no  chang  tckang  bangs  like  that,  I 
larned  what  was  a  'eap  more  uscf  ullcr,  which  is  to  keep  things 
in  their  own  place ;  and  if  you'd  stay  at  'ome  and  lam  hit, 
too,  hit  would  be  more  prq^toftZer  than  goin'  to  live  among 
them  Iriph  in  Dublin,  which  is  too  wulgar  to  be  looked  at,  so 
they  are." 

"  A  very  just  observation,  ma'am,"  replied  Charley,  "  and 
one  which  shows  a  great  deal  of  good  sense,  but  bad  gram- 
mar, on  your  part,  and — what's  that?"  exclaimed  the  young 
gentleman,  tui-ning  abruptly  round,  as  the  sound  of  a  sub- 
dued laugh  from  the  door-way  broke  upon  his  ear. 

Kate  retreated  ju.it  in  time  to  avoid  meeting  Miss  Dickett, 
who  came  sailing  majestically  from  the  room,  and  who,  see- 
ing no  one,  went  indignantly  down  to  the  kitchen,  muttering 
as  she  went : 

"Yes,  hit's  all  very  fine,  so  it  is." 

Kate  remained  in  her  hiding-place  until  the  coast  was  clear, 
and,  then  coming  out,  she  tripped  lightly  from  the  hall,  the 
last  sound  she  heard  being  Charley's  voice,»singing : 

"  Arrab,  vhillalloo  murder !  oh  I- why  did  ye  die?"  , . 


■Mmm 


HHM 


"■■■JBlWrw 


'■>■      .-»</■.;*. 


t  or  earnest; 
while  Charley 
other  burst  of 

raged  female, 
eedn't  think, 
hich  is  lurncd, 
anybody, so  I 
ga  like  that,  I 
to  keep  things 

and  lam  hit, 
)  live  among 

looked  at,  so 

!harley,  "and 
>ut  bad  gram- 
led  the  young 
ad  of  a  Bub- 
ar. 

Miss  Dickett, 
ind  who,  see- 
en,  muttering 


ast  was  clear, 
the  hall,  the 
ring! 
lie?" 


•*i 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 
The  rain  was  falling,  not  heavily,  as  it  had  done  some 
hours  before,  but  in  a  damp,  dismal,  chilling  drizzle.  A  thick, 
dense  fog,  perfectly  English  in  its  character,  made  the  gloom 
80  intense  that  one  could  hardly  see  oltjects  a  yard  off.  In 
^ftct,  a  more  unpleasant  or  disagreeable  day  for  a  ride  could 
not  be  found. 

The  groom,  who  stood  holding  her  horse,  seemed  tu  be 
precisely  of  this  same  opinion,  for  as  Kate  seated  herself 
and  gathered  up  the  reins  preparatory  to  starting,  he  re- 
marked : 

"  Better  not  go  to-day,  Miss  Kate,  you'll  be  soaking  wet, 
and  it  won't  be  good  for  the  pony  either." 

"My  good  fellow,  be  kind  enough  to  mind  your  own 
affairs,"  replied  Kate,  haughtily.  And  the  man,  crest-faUen 
at  her  remark,  slunk  away. 

With  a  smart  cut  of  her  whip,  the  horse  darted  forward  ; 
in  a  moment,  the  lofty  turrets  and  majestic  trees  of  Dirritole 
were  out  of  sight.  Her  road  lay  partly  through  a  dripping 
forest,  known  by  the  name  of  Danemore  Forest,  from  its  be- 
ing on  the  property  of  the  earl.  The  forest  path  was  passed, 
and  Kate  entered  a  smooth,  broad  road,  over  which  her 
horse  went  with  a  rapidity  that  promised  speedily  to  bring 
her  to  her  journey's  end. 

In  a  short  time  the  Pines— as  the,  home  of  Alice  Desmond 
was  called— came  in  sight.  The  place  had  taken  its  name 
from  the  gr  at  number  of  those  trees  by  which  it  was  sur- 
rounded. ..  smooth,  graveled  path  led  up  to  the  house— a 
larjie  but  handsome  mansion,  of  modern  appearance  and 


^  THE  SECRET  SORROW, 

architecture.  A  servant  advanced  to  take  her  home ;  and, 
as  Kate  sprang  lightly  from  her  seat,  she  was  struck  by  th« 
melancholy,  dejected  appearance  of  his  countenance. 

"  Why,  my  good  Peter,  what  is  the  matter?"  inquired  Kate 
with  graceful  condescension,  addressing  the  old  man,  whom 
she  well  knew. 

"Ah!  Miss  Kate!  sad  news,  sad  news!"  replied  the  old 
man,  mournfully  shaking  his  head. 

-Whathas  happened?"  exclaimed  Kate,  growing  pale  with 
sudden  apprehension,  "nothing  has  befaUen  vour  young 
mistress,  I  trust?"  " 

"Alas!  that  I  cannot  say  no,"  answered  Peter,  drawing 
his  hand  across  his  eyes.  "Miss  Alice  has  gone,  or  been 
carrried  off,  no  one  knows  where." 

"  Good  Heavens  !  is  it  possible?"  exclaimed  Kate,  horror- 
struck  to  find  her  apprehensions  so  soon  verified.  "Who 
could  have  been  capable  of  so  atrocious  a  deed  ?" 

"  That's  just  what  I  have  been  puzzling  myself  to  find  out 
ever  since  I  heard  it,"  replied  the  old  man.  "  I  thought  she 
hadn't  an  enemy  in  the  world ;  for  if  ever  there  was  an  angel 
on  earth.  Miss  Alice  was  one." 

•And  her  father-poor  old  man!  how  does  he  bear  this 
terrible  blow?"  said  Kate,  compassionately. 

"I  haven't  seen  him  since  he  heard  it,  which  was  only 
this  morning,"  answered  Peter :  "  buc  Bess  L'Olise,  who  was 
"P  at  the  house,  told  me  a  while  ago  he  was  taking  on  dread- 
fully.  He  had  a  letter-a  note  she  left  on  her  dressing-table 
-which  seemed  to  afflict  him  dreadfully.    Bess  said,  her 


lorse ;  and, 
ruck  by  th« 
ice. 

uirod  Kate, 
Qsn,  whom 

led  the  old 

g;  pale  with 
)ur  young 

p,  drawing 
0,  or  been 

«,  horror- 
.     "Who 

• 

0  find  out 

ought  she 

an  angel 

bear  this 

V&S  only 
who  waa 
n  dread* 
ing-table 
aid,  ber 


i 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  45 

"tep-flister,  Janie,  Miss  Alice's  own  maid,  had  gone  with  her. 
too."  ' 

"  A  letter !"  exclaimed  Kate.  -  Perhaps  that  explains." 
And,  turning  from  the  old  man,  she  hounded  up  the  stops 
like  a  dtcr,  in  a  manner  very  different  from  her  ..sual  ,lig„i. 
fled  motions,  and  burst  unceremoniously  into  the  room  where 
the  old  mrin  sat. 

He  was  lying  back  in  a  large  arm-chair,  moaning  and 
wnnging  his  hands  in  the  last  extremity  of  grief.  He  held  a 
note  tightly  cmmpled  up  in  one  hand,  over  which  he  at  times 
broke  forth  in  passionate  lamentations.  The  snows  of  seven- 
ty winters  had  vhitened  his  hoary  locks,  and  the  venerable 
features,  generUly  placid  and  dignified,  were  now  convulsed 
with  sorrow.  As  his  eyes  fell  upon  Kate,  he  started  to  his 
feet  as  .f  to  meeetber ;  but  his  strength.exhausted  by  suffering, 
was  unequal  to  the  effort,  and  he  fell  heavily  back  in  his  seat. 

"Too  late,  KateSidney,  too  late,"  he  cried  bitterly.  "She 
.8  gone-gone  forever,  the  light  of  my  eyes,  the  star  of  my 
beart  my  sole  eartHy  comfort,  my  young,  beautiful  Alice  I 
Oh,  Alice,  Alice!"  ^nd  with  that  despairing  cry,  he  covered 
h.8  face  with  his  bancs,  and  swayed  to  and  fro,  in  hopeless 
sorrow. 

Kate  advanced,  kneh  before  him,  and  took  his  hand  be- 
tween  both  hers,  while  «e  said,  in  »  voice  which  she  vainly 
strove  to  render  calm : 

My  dear  sir,  be  comlorted.  I  feel  convinced  we  will  all 
flee  Alice  weU  and  happy  »nce  more.  Do  not,  I  beseech  vou, 
thus  give  way  to  your  gritf." 


*•  THK  SECRET  SORROW. 

Tho  old  man  Hocmcd  not  to  hear  her.  His  cyo8  hml  a  va- 
cant,  wo,nU.,i„K  look,  hh  though  he  huw  not  the  object  nrouml, 
but  rather  wan  puiug  at  souu-lhinfl;  l.eyontl  the  reach  of  their 
viHion.  As  Kate  ceased,  he  suddenly  and  passionately  broke 
forth :  ^ 

"What  have  I  ever  done  that  I  am  to  be  thus  bereaved? 
^  hat  crime  have  I  ever  committed,  that  I  am  thus  severely 
chastised?     I   have  neither  slain,  nor  stolen,  no;  coveted 
aught,  and  yet  I  am  punished  by  losing  all  I  leva  on  earth, 
while  the  wicked  tri.miph  in  their  sins.     How  loig,  O  Lord ! 
how  long?    Thy  han.l  lies  heavily  upon  me,  .nd  upon  my 
house,  while  the  ungodly  rejoice  in  their  crime.     They  have 
stolen  from  n,e  my  own  little  ewe-lamb,  and  left  me  alono 
an.l  desolate  to  go  with  sorrow  to  the  grave.     iVe  have  been 
surrounded  by  those  who  called  themselves  frbnds  in  the  day 
of  onr  prosperity  ;  but  when  the  hand  of  the  Lord  lay  heavily 
upon  us,  all  fled.     They  have  borne  my  cWld,  n.y  ouly  one 
from  my  home,  and  there  was  no  arm  rai<ed  to  defend  her  • 
no  true  heart  to  echo  back  her  cry  for  nercy.     They  have 
borne  her  away,  and  I  shall  never,  ueverfice  her  a-ain  '  Oh 
Alice,  Alice !"    He  wrung  his  hands,  md  cried  aloud  in  hia 
deep  sorrow. 

"My  dear  sir^-Kate's  voice  faUei;  and,  covering  her 
face  with  her  hands,  she  wept  also. 

Her  heartfelt  grief  touched  the  sorow-striken  old  man  as 

nothing  before  had  done.     His  eyes  I«.t  their  wild,  frenzied 

expression,  and  assumed  a  softer  looZ,  but  no  tears  came  to 

his   relief,  the  blow  had  struck  too  bard  to  bo  eased  by 

/ 
/ 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


5^08  had  a  va- 
il>ji'ct  around, 
roiiph  of  tlioir 
onatoly  ?)roke 

us  hcrcavecJ? 
Iui8  severely 
no.'  covotod 
»v«  on  earth, 
Igi  O  Lord ! 
id  upon  my 

They  Jiavo 
■ft  me  alono 
J  have  boon 
8  in  the  day 

lay  heavily 
'y  only  one 
lefend  her ; 
They  have 
ignin!  Oh, 
Joud  in  his 


47 


we'pinj?.     IIo  laid  his  hand  on  her  bowed  head,  and  said, 

kindly  : 

'  J'oor  child  !  you  loved  her,  too  ;  but  why  should  you  weep? 
You  have  many  friendH  left  who  lovo  you  Htill,  even  as  she 
loved  you,  but  I  have  no  one  ;  I  an.  alone— all  alono  ;  there 
i«  «'(.  (),o  in  the  wide  world  to  care  for  the  striken  old  man, 
Hince  th.  (laujrht,,,-  „f  his  old  a-o  has  boon  torn  from  his  arms,' 
leaving  .„  ,v..rd  behind  her  to  tell  of  the  fate,  with  no  fare- 
well,  Havcthis." 

llo  erusUd,  as  he  apoke,  the  letter  in  his  hand.  Kate  had 
forgotten  itin  her  sorrow  and  compassion  for  him,  but  the 
action  restord  it  to  her  mind.  Perhaps  it  might  throw  some 
light  on  the  rystei'y. 

"Will  younot  let  me  see  the  letter?"  she  asked,  hesi- 
tatingly. 

"les,  yes,  tkc  it ;  it  is  but  right  you  should  read  her  last 
farewell-tho  las  farewell  of  one  who  loved  you." 

Kate  eagerly  ook  the  letter.  Her  eyes  filled,  as  she 
glanced  at  the  M^Jl-known  handwriting.  It  had  evidently 
been  penned  in  ahasty  and  trembling  hand,  and  ran  as 
follows  : 


vering  her 

Id  man  as 

I,  frenzied 

8  came  to 

eased  by 


Mt  OWN  Dear  Fat«„  ,_Ere  you  read  thi«,  I  shall  be  away  from 
home;  but  gnevc  not.  hope  soon  to  return.  I  cannot,  I  dare  no" 
now  cxplam  w  V  I  am  oUgod  to  leave  you  for  a  time;  but  bCieri 
me,  the  .eparat.0,  »  ««  j,i„f„„„  „,  „^  .^  ^^„  '        •        «  J 

may  not  now  expl.n  f„rt,or.  but  onee  again  I  beseech  you  to  bear  my 

tZl   T  '■?7""""-   ^^  '"'"'^"'  •^''"-  aceompanie.  me.     kZ 

ter  to  you,  until  tb  retun  of  your  own  UtUe-  "  Aucjb," 


48 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Kate  read  this  letter  with  wonder  and  surprise.    The  ruja- 
tery  seemed  to  increase,  and  this  letter,  instead  of  dispeL'ing 
it,  only  increased  it  the  more.     What  could  it  have  been  taat 
induced  her  so  strangely  to  leave  houie?    Kate  knit  her 
brows,  and  tried  to  think.     But  the  more  she  though,  the 
more  inexplicable  the  whole  afifair  became.     She  glared  at 
the  old  man,  who  now  lay  back  in  a  sort  of  stupor,  hs  grief 
having  exhausted  itself  by  its  violence.     Seeing  shecould  be 
of  no  use  here,  she  resigned  him  to  the  care  of  an  old  serv- 
ant, and  then  -slowly  and  thoughtfully  turned  fromthe  house. 
With  her  ejos  fixed  in  deep  thought  on  the  /round,  and 
lost  in  her  own  reflections,  she  heard  not  a  light  Hpping  foot- 
step  behind  her,  until  a  clear,  musical  voice,  w^  a  neculiar 
foreign  accent,  close  to  her  ear,  called  : 
"Miss  Kate." 

Kate  turned  hastily  round,  and  sawbeforher  a  bright, 
handsome  girl,  whose  vivacious,  sparkling  bick  eye^,  dark, 
rich  complexion,  full  voluptuous  figure,  andoquettish  air  be- 
spoke her  a  native  of  sunny  France.  It  wagBess  L'Olise,  the 
step-sister  of  Janie,  whom,  as  we  will  hav^frequent  occasion 
to  mention,  we  may  as  well  make  the  reader  acquainted 
with. 

Jaiiie's  father,  who  was  steward  at  th  Pines,  had  lost  hia 
wife  when  Janie  r/as  a  mere  child.  Abut  a  year  after  this 
melancholy  event,  business  called  him  t  London,  and  whUe 
there  he  contracted  a  violent  attachmnt  fa-  a  handsome 
French  milliner,  a  widow  with  one  daightet  then  residing 
with  her  mamma's  friends  in  la  belle  trance.  The  steward 

\ 


rise.    The  rj/s- 
ad  of  dispelling 
t  liave  been  taat 
Kate  knit  her 
he  though,  the 
She  glarced  at 
tupor,  hs  grief 
Qg  shecould  be 
?f  an  old  serv- 
fron>tlie  house, 
he  /round,  and 
it  tipping  foot- 
rUi  a  neculiar 


her  a  bright, 
k  eyei^,  dark, 
aettish  air  be- 
s  L'Olise,  the 
uent  occasion 
r  acquainted 

,  had  lost  hia 
ar  after  this 
a,  and  while 
a  handsome 
len  residing 
rhe  steward 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  ^g 

wanted  a  wife  to  mind  his  house,  and  look  after  Janie.     Ma- 
BraTd^h^  "T"-  "  ''''''-'  ^--^M-omoist 
for  better,  for  worse.     Madame  L'Olise,  became  a  bride 
ent  for  Bess,  and  took  her  with  them  to  the  Pines.     A    ew 
years  after,  Alice  Desmond,  taking  a  fancy  to  orettv  T 

latuer  s  pet.  It  needed  b„t  little  coaxing  to  induce  him  .„ 
.en  he.  to  ..nee  .  ^  edncated  ;  „ndl„  t  ladl^ 
^e  l,.d  „„ved  ahon.  .  ,e„  p.evi„„,  to  ,„e  opening  „,  Z 

On  the  present  oecion,  m.demoi«lle  adranccd  with  . 
pro'o-<i'y  mysterion,  ai,  .nd  looking  hastil,  „^^T^l 
tt.  acre  ™  no  one  listening,  ,he  ™id,  eagL .. 
M«ien,oisellc  has  been  np  to  the  house  •• 

..'t;r:::,dt^;"--~^ --he  little 

"  "^^  *^'««  ^^'^  ^ny  idea  of  the  causo  of  Miss  AHop'-  h 
P-tureP..  inqnired  Bess,  in  the  same  cautious  tol  '^" 

No;  why?"  said  Kate,  with  some  curiosity. 

B-^cause  I  think  I  know  something  of  the  matter      I  h, 
not  mentioned  it  to  any  one  vet      I  1  .       .  ""^ 

Should  see  Lord  Arndl^ntlerel::?:^  "'^^:  """'  ' 
-y  be.  Therefore,  ma'm'selle  wn^e  ^r^^''^'^  ^ 
to  something. ' '  ^  °"  '  '^  ™^y  ^^^ 

Kate  was  silent,  but  the  anxious  look  on  her  face  told  h 
•agerly  she  was  listening.  ^  ^''^^  ^°^ 


■""■■Pi 


60 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


"  Last  night,"  began  Bess,  "  I  need  not  tell  you,  was  aw- 
ful stormy.  Heavens  I  how  frightened  I  was  !  Well-  a  little 
after  dark,  as  I  sat  sewing,  I  heard  the  outer  gate  slamming 
back  and  forth  at  a  great  rate.  Papa  was  up  at  the  house 
with  Sir  Hugh,  and  there  was  no  one  to  shut  it  but  me,  for 
mamma  would  not  go  out  for  the  world  in  such  a  storm.  So 
as  the  gate  had  to  be  shut,  and  there  being  no  help  for  it,  I 
threw  on  my  cloak  and  went  out.  Just  as  I  reached  the  gate, 
there  came  a  dazzling  blaze  of  lightning,  and  judge  of  my 
surprise  at  seeing  a  carriage  standing  before  the  gate. 
Frightened  half  to  death,  I  drew  back  behind  a  low,  stunted 
pine  tree,  where  I  was  effectually  concealed  from  view. 
Scarcely  had  I  hidden  myself,  when,  in  a  brief  lull  of  the 
tempest,  I  fancied  I  heard  footsteps  coming  down  the  grav- 
eled walk  right  before  me.  At  the  same  moment,  there  came 
another  flash,  and  by  the  fitful,  lurid  light,  I  beheld  Misa 
Alice  and  my  step-sister,  Jauie.  Both  were  muffled  up  in 
hoods  and  shawls,  but  I  knew  them  immediately.  Wonder- 
ing what  could  be  the  matter,  I  strove  to  look  through  the 
darkness,  but  in  vain.  Ere  the  lightning  again  lit  up  for  a 
single  instance  the  pitchy  blackness  around,  the  carriage  was 
gone.  I  hastened  back,  and  told  mamma,  but  she  said  that 
Miss  Alice  had  probably  received  some  hasty  summons,  that 
she  was  forced  to  obey  in  spite  of  the  storm.  So  I  thought 
no  more  about  it  until  this  morning,  when  I  heard  that  Miss 
Alice  and  Janie  had  gone  no  one  knew  where.  I  felt  at  first 
inclined  to  tell  Sir  Hugh,  but  seeing  him  nearly  beside  him- 
self, I  concluded  to  wait  until  I  should  see  Lord  Arndale, 


•MM 


»- 


r 


you,  was  aw- 

Well.  a  little 
ate  slaiuming 

at  the  house 
it  but  me,  for 

a  storm.  So 
help  for  it,  I 
,ched  the  gate, 

judge  of  my 
)re  the  gate, 
a  low,  stunted 
I  from  view, 
icf  lull  of  the 
own  the  grav- 
nt,  there  came 

beheld  Miss 
muffled  up  in 
sly.  Wonder- 
c  through  the 
1  lit  up  for  a 
e  carriage  was 
she  said  that 
summons,  that 

So  I  thought 
sard  that  Miss 

I  felt  at  first 
ly  beside  him- 
Liord  Arndale, 


I 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  gj 

which  I  would  have  done,  had  you  not  come.  And  now,  Miss 
S.dncy,  this  i,s  all  I  know.  Do  you  think  it  will  throw  any 
light  upon  this  mysterious  affair?" 

Kate  had  listened  with  breathless  interest  to  this  recital 
with  hps  apart,  and  an  air  of  intense  suspense.  As  Besg 
concluded,  she  exclaimed,  eagerly  : 

"  Surely  you  know  whose  carriage  it  was,  do  you  not?" 
Mademoiselle  L'Olise  shook  her  head. 
"  How  should  I  ?"  she  replied.    «'  I  only  caught  a  moment- 
ary glimpse  of  it  by  that  sudden  flash.      No,  I  do  not  know 
whose  it  was." 

"  Well,  this  is  at  least  some  slight  clew  to  her  fate,"  said 
Kate,  musingly.     -  Jt  seems  she  went  of  her  own  accord      I 
fancied  at  first  she  had  been  violently  abducted.     Well  Bess 
you  had  best  keep  this  matter  to  yourself  until  we  see  more 
about  it.     Meantime,  do  all  you  can  for  Sir  Hugh,  us  it  is 
impossible  for  me  to  remain  here  any  longer  this  morning; 
and  If,  by  any  means,  you  obtain  any  more  information  on 
this  subject,  communicate  it  to  me  the  very  first  thincr.    Good 
morning   mademoiselle."     And  Kate  slowly  gatherrd  up  the 
ample  folds  of  her  riding-dress,  mounted  her  horse,  and  ata 
more  subdued  and  saddened  pace  than  when  she  first  started, 
she  turned  in  the  direction  of  Dirritole. 

Bess  L'Olise  stood  watching  her,  untU  she  disappeared 
from  sight,  with  a  peculiar  expression  on  her  handsome  face. 
At  length  she  turned  away,  muttering  to  herself  • 

mlf'^^tT. '■'"''  '™^'^'  ""^'   ^^«/«*-/thatido. 

What  would  Miss  Kate  say,  I  wonder,  if  I  told  her  it  wa. 


r.l 


JL. 


52  THE  SECRET  SORROW. 

her  uncle's,  the  Earl  of  Danemore's.  I  should  be  treated  as 
a  vile  calumniator,  and  the  vengeance  of  the  earl  would  fall 
npon  us.  No,  no ;  I  shall  keep  that  much  of  my  knowledge  to 
myself.  Those  English  have  for  a  proverb :  '  A  silent  tongue 
maketh  a  wise  head.'  And  I  shall  test  its  virtue.  The  earl 
has  carried  her  off  for  fear  Lord  Arndale  should  marry  he: 
I  feel  perfectly  sure  of  it.  But  by  what  means  he  induced 
her  to  accompany  him,  I  know  not.  Well,  I  shall  not  puz- 
zle myself  about  it ;  time  will  tell,  and  as  Mr.  Charley  Sid- 
ney  says :     '  Least  said  is  soonest  mended.'  " 

With  these  words,  Bess  turned  into  the  lodge,  as  the  housa 
occupied  by  the  steward  of  the  Tines  was  called,  while  Kat« 
Sidney,  in  blissful  ignorance  of  the  amount  of  h«r  knowledge^ 
alowly  pursued  her  way  homeward. 


JL. 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. ' 


e  treated  as 
1  would  fall 
nowledge  to 
ilent  tongue 
i.    The  earl 

marry  he. 

he  induced 
ill  not  puz- 
harley  Sid- 

s  the  housQ 
while  Katfl 
knowledge^ 


M 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THE  LITTLE  AMSBICAJf. 

A  dancing  shape— an  image  gay, 
To  haunt,  bewilder,  and  waylay! 

It  was  early  morning  of  that  same  drizzly,  wet,  foggy  day 
-that  same  eventful  morning  which  beheld  Alice  Desmond 
m  her  dreary  shelter  in  the  old  Moor  Manor,  and  which  saw 
Kate  learning  her  fate  at  the  Pines-that  a  stage  coach  went 
rumblmg  and  Jolting  over  a  rough,  uneven  road,  now  rising 
abruptly  on  a  sudden  jagged  eminence,  and  again  settling 
abruptly  down  in  a  manner  anything  but  agreeable.     On  his 
seat  sat  the  driver,  muffled  up  to  the  eyes  in  a  huge,  shaggy 
great-coat,  which  bid  defiance  alike  to  the  chill,  cutting, 
morning  air,  and  the  driving  rain.     The  tired  horses  plunged 
and  trampled  blindly  onward  over  the  miry  ground,  with  a 
slow,  weary  gait. 

Inside  the  coach  sat  four  persons,  three  of  whom  were 
sound  asleep.  One  of  these,  a  man  past  the  middle  age. 
bearing  about  him  unmistakably  the  air  and  manner  of  a 
sailor,  was  a  stout,  good-humored  looking  personage,  whose 
vigorous  snoring  on  the  pi^sent  occasion  bore  evidence  to 
the  profoundness  of  his  slumbers.  Opposite  him  sat  . 
Vroman,  whose  pale,  wasted  features  stUl  bore  the  trace  of 

6» 


].! 


04 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


former  beauty,  now  nearly  obliterated  by  an  anxious,  fretful 
look,  while  her  quick,  troubled  breathing,  and  the  frequent 
knitting  of  her  brows,  bespoke  that  even  in  sleep  the  troub- 
led of  her  waking  hours  were  not  forgotten.  She  was 
dressed  in  deep  mourning,  and  her  thin,  pale  features 
looked  white  and  pale  in  contrast  with  her  sable  mourning- 
robes. 

In  the  farthest  corner  of  the  coach,  with  her  head  thrown 
back,  her  bonnet  bent  into  all  sorts  of  snapes,  and  her  whole 
appearance  in  the  utmost  disorder,  lay  an  old,  jet-black 
Degress.  A  fat,  shiny,  ebony  countenance  was  hers;  and 
her  nasal  performance  not  only  equaled,  but  even  exceeded 
that  of  the  gentleman— Captain  Morton ;  of  th«  good  ship 
Sea  Shell. 

T'-3  fourth,  last,  bui  far  from  least  occupant  of  the  old- 
fashioned  stage-coach,  was  a  young  girl  apparently  not  more 
than  sixteen  years  of  age.  She  was  pretty— decidedly  pretty 
— with  the  wickedest,  laughing  hazel  eyes  in  the  world.  The 
delicate  purity  of  her  complexion,  white  and  stainless  as  that 
of  an  infant,  was  relieved  by  the  faint  pink  tinge  of  the 
cheeks,  and  the  deep  red  of  the  little,  delicately  formed 
mouth.  In  stature,  she  was  scarcely  middle  size  ;  but  slight, 
graceful,  and  delicate  as  a  fairy.  The  predominant  expres- 
sion of  her  features  was  overflowing  with  mischief  and  trick- 
ery ;  fun  lurked  maliciously  in  her  bi-ight,  brown  eyes,  and 
basked  in  every  smile  and  dimple  of  her  rougish  face. 

She  now  sat  by  the  window,  gazing  first  out  at  the  gloomy 
prospect  around,  and  then  at  the  three  sleeping  faces  beside 


xioiis,  fretful 
the  frequent 
ep  the  troub- 
I.  She  was 
lale  features 
Ic  mourning- 
head  thrown 
nd  her  whole 
Id,  jet-black 
13  hers ;  and 
ren  exceeded 
KJ  good  ship 

t  of  the  old- 
itly  not  more 
idedly  pretty 

world.  The 
inless  as  that 
tinge  of  the 
itely  formed 

;  but  slight, 
nant  expres- 
ef  and  trick- 
m  eyes,  and 

face. 

t  the  gloomy 
faces  beside 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  gj 

her,  with  an  expression  of  the  most  intense  vexation  and  dis- 
gust.     At  length  iier  thoughts  found  vent  in  words  : 

"I  declare,  if  this  ain't  too  bad!"  muttered  the  young 
lady,  turning  her  back  with  a  jerk  to  the  others  ;"  and  I  do 
wish  w-'d  never  loft  home  to  come  to  this  horrid,  freezing, 
foggy,  hateful  place.    I'm  sure  it's  done  nothing  but  drizzle 
drizzle,  drizzle,  and  drop-as  if  the  weather  had  a  cold  in  its 
head,  and  needed  a  pocket-handkerchief.    And  then  the  fog 
too,  a  body  can't  see  their  nose  before  their  face  for  it      I'd 
feel  it  a  relief  if  there  would  come  a  real  genuine  rain  storm  ; 
bnt  I  don't  believe  these  hateful  English  could  get  up  such  a 
thmg.     My!  isn't  that  a  prospect  out  there!"    here  she 
glanced  from  the  window  with  a  look  of  infinite  contempt- 
"  trees  about  a  foot  high,  and  without  a  leaf  on  them  at  that 
Sky  as  black  as  a  darkey's  face,  and  clouds  piled  in  heaps, 
one  on  top  of  another,  like  buckwheat  cakes  in  winter.    And 
then  to  aggravate  the  matter,  this  jolting,  tumbling,  old  ark 
of  a  coach,  pitching  us  up  in  the  air  one  minute-with  as 
much  indifference  as  if  we  weren't  free-born  Americans,  and 
tumbling  us  down  with  a  jerk  the  next.    Oh !  dear !  what  it 
is  to  be  afflicted!" 

Here  the  little  American  heaved  a  sigh  that  might  have 
been  heard  a  mile  off,  and  fell  once  more  into  a  profound 
fit  of  musing.  At  length  her  feelings  seSmed  to  grow  too 
powerful  to  be  controlled,  and  she  again  began  : 

"  I'd  like  to  know,  anyway,  what  kind  of  folks  there  rela- 
tions  of  mamma's  are.  Stuck  up.  I  suppose.  But,  then, 
ancle's  an  eail,  a  real  live  earl-only  think  of  ilica  I    Well,  I     - 


66 


THE  SECRET  80RB0W. 


i   i 


don't  care ;  because  a  native-born  American,  such  as  I  am, 
is  just  as  good ;  and  if  I  don't  astonisli  tlicni  by  and  by,  it'll 
be  a  caution.  Oh  !  ya-w-w !  I'll  split  my  jaws  yawning,  I'm 
afraid.  I  wish  some  of  them  would  wake  up.  I'm  tired  to 
death  talking  to  myself,  and  it  don't  seem  to  do  me  a  bit  of 
good.  I'll  wake  mamma ;  if  she  hasn't  slept  enough  by  this 
time,  it's  a  wonder." 

Suiting  the  action  to  the  words,  she  approached  and  shook 
the  lady  soundly,  exclaiming : 

"  Momma,  wake  up,  I  tell  you  !  You  don't  expect  a  body 
can  sit  here  all  day  without  some  one  to  talk  to." 

The  sleeper  turned  round,  opened  her  eyes,  and  muttered, 
drowsily:  "Yes,  don't  mind  her,  she's  always  talking. 
Um-m-m  !"     And  the  speaker  closed  her  eyes  once  i  ore. 

"  Who's  always  talking?  I  do  believe  she  thinks  she's 
talking  to  her  relations,  and  telling  them  about  me.  Mamma, 
mil  you  wake  up?" 

"Um-m-m,  she's  wild — soon  be  settled — um-m-m-m," 
drawled  the  sleeper. 

"  Oh,  dear  me !  Well,  I  never  I  Will  you  listen  to  that, 
now !"  said  the  young  lady  appealing  to  some  imaginary  indi- 
vidual. "  I'll  leave  it  to  everybody,  if  that  ain't  provoking. 
Well,  I  must  get  some  one  to  talk  to,  or  I'll  die  of  the  blues, 
that's  certain  !  Let's  see — oh,  I  have  it !  I'll  get  out  with 
the  coachman — that's  the  idea ;  he'll  do  better  than  no  one  !" 

So  saying,  she  arose,  threw  a  large  shawl  over  her  slender 
shoulders,  and  pulled  the  check-string.  The  coach  stopped ; 
but  ere  the  driver  could  ascertain  what  was  the  matter,  to  hu 


ch  as  I  am, 
and  by,  it'll 
awning,  I'm 
I'm  tired  to 
mc  a  bit  of 
)ugh  by  this 

i  and  sbooic 

pect  a  body 
> 

d  muttered, 
lys  talking, 
ce  1  ore. 
hinks  she's 
!.    Mamma, 

m-m-m-m," 

ea  to  that, 
ginary  indi- 
provoking. 
f  the  blues, 
et  out  with 
n  no  one !" 
her  slender 
:h  stopped ; 
Atter,  to  hu 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  gy 

unbounded  «„rpriHc  he  «aw  the  little  lady  descend,  slam  the 
door  after  her,  mount  the  box,  and  take  her  seat  beside  him  ; 
and  all  w.th  a  rapidity  that  completely  bewildered  him.  Ere 
he  had  recovered  sufficiently  from  his  ...-prise  to  start  onco 
more,  the  young  lady  said,  with  the  utmost  coolness  • 

''There!  you  needn't  stand  there  gaping  all  day-thafa 
all  I  wanted.  My !  for  goodness  sake,  don't  sit  staring  as  if 
you  were  afraid  I'd  eat  you  !     Drive  on  !" 

"But-but-really,  miss,  this  i.  not  a  proper  place  for 
you      stammered  the  driver,  looking  absolutely  dnmfounded. 
Oh,  fiddlestick !    Who  cares  whether  it  is  proper  or  not? 
wo  ahead !" 

Thus  adjured,  the  coachman  started  once  more-stUl,  how- 
ever,  looking  completely  astonished. 
"You  see,  Mr.-what's  your  name  V  began  the  young  lady. 
"Smith,  Miss."  ->       o      j 

"  Do  tell !     It's  John  Smith,  ain't  it?" 

"Yes,"  repUed  the  man,  beginning  to  think  he  had  hold 
of  a  witch. 

"  Well,  if  that  ain't  funny !  I  think  I  have  met  about  a 
dozen  John  Smiths  every  place  I've  ever  been.  Well  then 
John-ni  call  you  that  for  short-my  name's  Maggie  Nelson,' 
that  hateful  folks  used  to  call  Crazy  Mag.  So  now  as  we  are 
acquainted,  I  beg  to  tell  you  that  I  came  out  here  to  talk  to 
you,  because  they're  every  one  asleep  in  there.  It's  not 
high  treason,  is  it?" 

"Oh,  no,"  replied  John  Smith;  "but  I'm   afraid  you'U 
catch  cold,  sitting  out  here  in  the  rain. " 


r 


II ' 


gg  THE  SECRET  ROllROW. 

•«  No,  1  won't ;  the  wot  won't  melt  rao.  And,  speaking  of 
that,  docs  it  always  drizzle  in  this  uncomfortable  manner 
here?" 

John  langhod. 

•'  No,  not  always,  Miss  ^cl8on.  The  sun  sMdcs  some- 
times." 

*'  I  want  to  know,"  ojaculatcd  Maggie  "  'Well,  It  will  be 
a  novelty  to  mo  to  see  tho  sun  again.  It's  been  drizzling 
ever  since  we  landed,  and  it  looks  now  as  if  it  were  never 
„oing  to  do  anythir-'  else.  I  wish  there  was  any  convenient 
way  of  transportiufj  the  whole  island  to  America ;  we  could 
easily  set  it  down  in  one  of  our  smr.Uest  lakes  that  wouldn't 
be  fit  for  anything  else.  We'd  try  to  civilize  all  you  John 
Bulls  a  little,  and  with  the  aid  of  ou'-  American  sun,  there's 
no  telling  but  something  might  be  niade  of  it  yet— a  cabbage- 
garden  for  the  President,  for  instance.  There,  now,  nobody 
need  say  I 'am  not  a  pliilanthropist  after  this — for  if  that 
ain't  a  real  philanthropic  scheme,  I'd  like  to  know  what  is !" 

John  opened  his  eyes,  and  stared  at  his  companion  in 
horrified  wonder.  Ills  silence,  however,  produced  no  effect 
on  Maggie  ;  she  had  got  some  one  to  talk  to,  and  that  was 
all  she  wanted. 

"  And,  speaki  g  or  transporting,"  she  began,  after  a  brief 
pause  to  take  breath,  "  rominds  me  that  I'am  going  to 
Dirritolc.     Do  you  know  where  that  is?" 

"  To  be  sure  I  do  !  It's  the  country  residence  of  the  Ea;  I 
of  Danemore,"  replied  John,  looking  indignant  that  any  one 
should  question  such  a  thing. 


Jl, 


I 


ipcaking  of 
lo  Tnanncr 


IDCS   8om«- 

1,  it  will  be 
n  drizzling 
5vcre  never 
convenient 
;  we  could 
it  wouldn't 
11  you  John 
mn,  there's 
-a  cabbage- 
3w,  nobody 
-for  if  that 
?  what  is!" 
fiipanion  in 
jd  no  effect 
d  that  was 

ifter  a  brief 
n  going  to 

of  the  Ea;  I 
,hat  any  one 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  ^9 

"  Well,  mamma,  and  I,  and  Dido— that's  our  servant— 
are  going  to  live  there.  The  earl's  my  uncle,  mamma'i 
brother." 

"  What !"  exclaimed  John,  dropping  the  reins  in  astonish- 
ment. "Is  it  possible  that  Miss  Maria  has  come  home  I 
Surely  she's  not  your  mother?" 

"Yes,  she  is.  Mamma's  name  is  Maria,  and  we  are  all 
going,  as  I  told  you,  to  live  at  Dirritolc.  And  now  I  would 
like  to  know  how  you  know  anything  about  us.  Did  your 
family  know  mamma?" 

"Yes,  miss,  I  certainly  did,"  answered  the  man,  still 
looking  as  though  unwilling  to  believe  what  ho  heurd.  "  I 
was  once,  when  a  young  man,  coachman  in  the  earl's  family, 
Miss  Maria— his  sister— married  an  American,  and  left  Eng- 
land with  him.     Is  it  really  possible  she  is  commg  back?" 

"  Why,  of  course  she  is.  You  don't  think  I  would  tell  a 
fib,  do  you  ?"  replied  Maggie  indignantly.  "And  since  you 
know  so  much  about  them,  tell  me,  are  there  any  young  folks 
there?  Mamma  does  not  know,  'cause  uncle  never  told  her 
in  bis  letters." 

"Yes,  Lady  Danemore  herself  is  young;  but  I  hardly 
think  she  will  be  much  of  a  companion  for  you;  she  is  very 
Btill.  Then  there  is  Miss  Kate  Sidney  and  her  brother,  Mr. 
Charley,  I  think  you'll  like  him,  he's  a  dreadful  wild  young 
gentleman." 

"Humph!  I  suppose  you  mean  by  that  Tm  wild,  too. 
But  if  you  do,  I  can  tell  you  you're  mistaken,  because  I'm 
not.    I'm  a  real  nice,  quiet,  settled  young  lady— as  they'll 


M 


60 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Boon   find  out  at  Dirritolc.     But  you  havrn't  told  m«  all. 
There  is  anoliier,  imi'i  tliorr,  my  conain,  the  onrVn  non?" 

•'  Oh,  yen  ;  Lord  Arudalo  ;  thoy  say  he  in  goiug  to  be  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Alice  DoHinoiid." 

"  Ih  he,  really?  1  hope  they'll  invito  mo  to  the  wedding. 
Ill  he  handsome?" 

"Yes,  miHs,  very  handsome,  indeed!" 

"I'm  glad  of  that.  1  hate  ugly  men.  Is  ho  funny?" 
pursued  Maggie. 

"  AVell,  I  can't  exactly  say,"  replied  John,  laughing,  "  he's 
pleasant  and  agreeable,  I  think,  when  let  alone  ;  but  it  don't 
do  to  rouse  his  temper.  I  remember  seeing  him  in  a  pretty 
high  passion  once." 

"  How  was  it  ?  How  did  it  happen  ?  Do  tell  mc  all  about 
it?"  aaid  Maggie  eagerly. 

"Well,"  began  John,  "it  was  about  a  year  ago.  Bust- 
ness  had  called  me  to  London,  and  as  I  was  passing  through 
an  obscure  street  late  one  night,  I  saw  a  young  girl  endeavor- 
ing to  escape  from  two  gentlemen  who  were  following  her.  I 
know  by  her  appearance  she  was  a  stranger  in  the  city  ;  and 
it  seems,  as  I  afterward  discovered,  that  having  lost  her  way, 
and  wandered  about  for  a  long  time,  she  had  asked  one  of 
these  young  men  to  direct  her.  This  they  readily  consented 
to  do  ;  but  she  soon  found  out  they  were  not  leading  her  the 
right  way,  and  feeling  alarmed  at  their  conversation  and 
manner,  she  endeavored  to  escape  from  them. 

"  To  prevent  this,  one  of  then  rudely  seized  her  by  the 
arm.     She  screamed  aloud  for  help,  and  her  appeal  was  an- 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


't  told  mt)  till. 
(irl'n  flon?" 
)iug  to  be  tnar« 

)  tho  wcddiug. 


I  ho   funny?" 

ighing,  «•  he's 

;  but  it  don't 

n  in  a  pretty 

1  mc  all  about 

r  ago.  Busi- 
issiiig  tluough 
;irl  endeavor- 
owing  her.  I 
;he  city ;  and 
lost  her  way, 
isked  one  of 
ily  consented 
ading  her  tho 
crsation   and 

id  her  by  the 
•peal  was  an- 


n.  .„„„.,,.,,   .„„  .„„„,  ,, „^         ^^^  - 

»"o.lKT  war,,,  .„„„g  „p„„  „„,  „,„  ,  ,  «     »' 

7"' ':" ""  '•* -  '""»«™u„/„., „„;!:: 

:r"7''"" '"*"'""" ■  T^on™.— sT 

Arn<„lo  ,„„  e„o„y  „„t  „i,  a..„..,  .„„  „„„,/.„„  .^^^ 
knocked  hiin  down.     Hi,    trien.T    .i,i  i.-  * 

bolter  ,„.r,  „/      1         7      "'™''-'l""l"»S    prudence  the 
bctte,  ,„„t  or  v„lor-af,er  the  nr,t  blow,  beat  »  preeipitate 

:7i,  r  T'""r'  """^  ^" ""' »°  --" '»'  -™  t 

•nd  th.    h„  tr,e„d  had  deserted  him,  .erambled  oil,  „,„,^ 

enng  d,re  threat,  „,  vengence  »,  he  went.     A,  LnL 

h.  wa,  gone,  the  ,o„ng  n„blen,an   .nrned  to  the  g  r  " 

b»  offer,  and  having  named  the  place  in  which  she  resided 
i»  conducted  her  safe,,  .0  it,  and  then  songht  bis  own"^- 

vZT  T  """°'°*'  ""  '"*'"""  •  ""'''^  »°«e  from  th, 
k"own  s,»rt,ng    charaCer-saylng,   that  after    what    b«i 

"Tie  horrid  wretch,"  interrnpted  Maggie,  with  aarflng 


3X 


62 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


!  I 


Tinili^ 


!«■- 


eyes,  "that  means  to  fight  a  duel.  Surely  Lord  Arndale 
'  didn't  meet  him  ?" 

"  Certainly  he  did,"  said  John  ;  "  as  a  man  of  honor,  ne 
couldn't  refuse.  They  met  at  the  place  appointed.  Sir 
George's  ball  passed  through  Lord  Arndale's  hat ;  while  his, 
with  surer  aim,  lodged  in  the  fleshy  part  of  the  baronet's  arm, 
without,  however,  doing  him  any  material  injury.  It  was  a 
lesson  to  him  to  mind  his  own  business  in  the  future,  and  let 
other  people  alone ;  though  whether  he  'aas  Jmpr>  'ved  by  it, 
is  more  than  I  can  tell." 

"  How  nobly  Lord  Arndale  behaved !"  exclaimed  Maggie, 
with  glowing  cheeks,  "and  I  do  love  him,  'pon  my  word 
I  do!" 

"What  would  Miss  Desmcad  say  to  that?"  said  John, 
with  a  sly  laugh, 

"Indeed,  I  don't  care  what  she  would  think,"  replied 
Maggie  decidedly ;  "  he's  my  cousin,  and  as  he  is  handsome, 
and  no  coward,  I've  got  a  right  to  love  h.m  just  as  much  as 
ever  I  like.  And  now  tell  me  something;  about  this  other 
cousin  of  mine,  this  Charley  Sidney.  L  he  handsome  too?" 
Mr.  John  Sraitl.  ]  .ughed. 

"Yes,  he's  handsome  enough,"'he  replied;  "but  as  for 
telling  you  about  him,  that's  utterly  out  of  the  question. 

Bless  you,  miss  !  that  young  gentleman  is  as  full  of  tricks 
as  a  monkey,  and  as  slippery  as  an  eel.  He's  continually 
getting  into  scrapes,  and  continually  getting  out  of  them. 
The  earl  sent  him  to  Eton,  to  be  trained  in  the  way  he  should 
go ;  but  he  broke  wild,  and  got  into  disgrace  so  often,  that 


Jii    -5 


f  liOrd  Arndale 

m  of  honor,  ne 
appointed.  Sir 
hat ;  while  his, 
2  baronet's  arm, 
ijury.  It  was  a 
\  future,  and  let 
Jmprv  ved  by  it, 

laimed  Maggie, 
'pon  my  word 

it?"  said  John, 

;hink,"  replied 
he  is  handsome, 
just  as  much  as 
bout  this  other 
andsome  too?" 

I;  "but  as  for 
f  the  question. 
is  full  of  tricks 
[e's  continually 
;  out  of  them. 
e  way  he  should 
e  (-0  often,  that 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  ^3 

they  sent  him  home.  His  uncle,  in  a  fit  of  desperation,  s-^nt 
him  off  to  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  and  what  mischief  he  done 
there,  Heaven  only  knows.  He's  at  home  now,  spending  his 
vacation,  and  driving  the  rest  of  the  household  out  of  their 
wits.  In  fact.  Master  Charley  is  looked  upon,  at  home,  as 
people  look  upon  poverty_as  a  necessary  evil-sent  as  a 
scourge  to  the  world  for  their  sins.  I  rather  think  you'll  be 
an  immense  favorite  with  hip.,  and  it's  quite  probable  he'll 
patronize  you." 

Before  the  little  American  could  reply,  a  head  was  thrust 
out  of  the  window,  and  a  sharp  voice  called  : 

"Maggie!  Maggie!  Oh,  you  dreadful  child'  What 
"'O^Wyour  uncle  say  to  such  conduct.  Get  down  off  that 
box,  and  come  right  in  here,  this  minute  !" 

"Yes;  that's  Miss  Maria ;  I  ought  to  know  that  voice  1" 
muttered  John  to  himself. 

"Why,  mamma,"  remonstrated  Maggie,  "you  needn't  be 
cross.     This  gentleman  knows  you ! ' ' 

"  What  gentleman  ?"  said  Mrs.  Nelson,  sharply. 

"Why,  this  one  out  here  beside  me,  the  driver,  his 
name  is  John  Smith,  he  used  to  know  you  long  ago,  he 
says.  ° 

''  Perhaps  you  forget  me.  Miss  Maria,"  said  John,  humbly.      • 
1  used  to  be  your  father's  groom." 

"Oh!  yes-I  remember  you-how  do  you  do,  John?- 
Maggie,  come  inside  instantly.     Be  so  good,  sir,  as  to  stop 
he  coach  while  my  daughter  gets  down,"  replied  the  lady 
In  no  very  amiable  tone  of  voice. 


•I 


1| 


'-!^xmmimi 


''J  r 


It- 


64  THE  SECRET  SORROW. 

John  accordingly  drew  up,  while  Maggie  got  oflf  the  box, 
muttering : 

"Mamma's  mighty  particular.  I  suppose  she'll  say  she 
wasn't  asleep,  when  I  get  in.     It's  the  way  she  always  does." 

"Well,  Miss  Nelson,"  said  her  mother,  severely,  as  she 
took  her  I'ormer  seat— "  very  pretty  conduct  this,  isn't  it? 
I  wonder  you  are  not  ashamed  of  treating  a  stage-driver  aa 
an  equal.     What  would  your  uncle  say?" 

"  Oh,  I'm  not  afraid ;  he  may  say  what  he  likes,"  replied 
Miss  Nelson.  "  And  as  to  the  driver,  I'm  sure  it  was  better 
to  sit  talking  to  him  than  sit  here,  thinking  how  dreadful 
ugly  you  all  looked  asleep." 

"  What!"  exclaimed  Mrs.  Nelson,  drawing  herself  up  in- 
dignantly. "Do  you  mean  to  say  /  was  asleep?  I  waa 
wide-awake  the  whole  time  !" 

"  My  stars  and  garters  !"  ejaculated  the  horrified  Maggie. 
"After  iJiatl  Oh,  I  just  knew  you'd  say  that.  I  was  sure 
of  it!" 

"  And  do  you  still  persist,  undutiful  child,  in  saying  I  was 
asleep?"  said  Mrs.  Nelson,  in  rising  anger. 

"  Why,  to  be  sure  I  do,  mamma.  Didn't  I  see  you  asleep, 
and  your  mouth  wide  open,"  persisted  the  incorrigible 
Maggie.  "If  you  were  awake,  why  didn't  you  prevent  me 
from  getting  out,  then?" 

This  was  a  question  Mrs.  Nelson  did  not  feel  herself  called 
upoi^to  answer.  So  she  drew  herself  up  stiffly,  and  bidding 
Miss  Maggie  rather  coarsely,  to  "hold  her  tongue,"  she 
kftned  back,  and  was  soon  absorbed  in  wondering  wheth«r 


Sim 


oflf  the  box, 

le'U  say  she 
Iwaysdoes." 
jrely,  as  she 
;hi8,  isn't  it? 
ige-driver  as 

es,"  replied 
it  was  better 
low  dreadful 

srself  up  in- 
ep?    I  was 

led  Maggie. 
I  was  sure 

aying  I  was 

you  asleep, 
incorrigible 
prevent  me 

irself  called 
ind  bidding 
ingue,"  she 
ng  wheth«r 


TKE  SECRET  SORROW.  gj 

hor  brother  wouldn't  grant  her  a  handsome  private  settle- 
mcnt-in  which  case,  she  determined  Maggie  should  become 
the  rcgning  belle  ;  and  just  as  she  beheld  (in  fancy)  a  duke 
proposing,  on  bended  knees,  for  the  honor  of  her  daughter's 
hand,  she  dropped  to  sleep  once  more,  leaving  the  duke  to 
wait  for  his  answer  till  another  occasion. 

The  day  wore  wearily  on  to  Maggie,  who  sat  fidgeting 
from  sule  to  side,  wishing  the  carriage  would  upset,  or  some 
other  accident  occur  to  disturb  the  monotony  of  the  journey, 
and  the  slumbers  of  her  companions. 

At  length,  a  little  past  noon,  to  her  inexpressible  relief, 
the  carriage  drew  up  before  the  Danemore  Arms,  and  the 
driver  announced  that  their  journey  was  at  an  end.  This  at 
last  effectually  banished  sleep  from  the  eyes  of  the  whole 
party. 

The  captain  shook  hands  with  Mrs.  Nelson  and  Maggie 
and  announced  his  intention  of  going  back  immediately. 

"  You  had  better  accompany  us  to  Dirrotole,  my  dear  cap- 
tarn,"  said  Mrs.  Nelson,  "  that  my  brother  may  thank  you 
for  your  kindness." 

"Pooh,  pooh!  nonsense!"  said  the  gruff  old  sailor, 
"what's  the  good  of  his  thanks?  I  don't  want  them, 
t^ood-bye  ;  I  hope  you'll  both  be  happy  in  England." 

"Isha'n'tfor  one,"  said  Maggie;  "because  of  all  the 
horrid,  foggy,  hateful,  drizzly  places  that  ever  was,  this  is 
the  woist.  You  may  look  out  for  me  at  home  ;  for  the  very 
fi^rst^ehance  Iget,  I'm  going  to  run  away  and  go  back-.o 

6* 


i«aiii.u^,.it5?--* 


66 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


h 


"  Maggie  !"  said  her  mother,  reprovingly. 

"I  don't  care,  mamma;  it's  just  true,"  continued  the 
young  lady;  <' and  I've  a  good  mind  to  go  back  with  the 
captain  now,  for  I'm  tired  and  sick  to  death  of  it  already." 

"  Well,  Maggie,  wlicnevcr  you  come  back  to  New  Orleans, 
you'll  be  welcome,"  said  the  captain,  laughing;  and  with  a 
last  good-bye,  he  rode  off. 

The  landlord  of  the  "  Dancmore  Arms,"  at  Mrs.  Nelson's 
request,  dispatched  a  messenger  to  announce  their  arrival  at 
Dirritole.  In  half  an  hour  the  elegant  family  carriage  ap- 
peared at  the  inn,  and  the  earl  alighted  to  welcome  his  sister 
and  niece. 

The  earl  was  rather  favorably  impressed  with  the  hoiden— 
as  he  had  designated  JIaggie— as  that  talkative  young  lady 
went  through  the  ceremony  of  introduction,  in  compliance 
with  her  mother's  request,  in  the  most  decorous  manner. 

Wheu  the  carriage  arrived  at  Dirritole,  Maggie  opened  her 
eyes,  and  gazed  around  with  a  look  of  marked  contempt  and 
disdain. 

"  What  a  horrid,  gloomy,  hateful  old  tumble-down  place !" 
she  muttered,  sotto  voce.  "  My!  what  a  lot  of  rats  there 
must  be  in  it!" 

The  earl  ushered  them  into  the  drawing-room,  where  the 
countess,  Kate,  and  Charley  sat.  All  arose  at  their  entrance ; 
and  my  lady's  eyes  were  momentarily  raised  to  regard  the 
young  American.  Maggie  held  her  breath  as  she  gazed 
—never  in  her  life  before  had  she  seen  any  one  so  beautiful. 

As  the  earl  took  her  hand  and  led  her  iorward,  Maggie  felt 


-"!^W^fl'^^>I"'^^Mf$'p';  ' 


continned  the 
back  with  the 
'  it  already." 
New  Orleans, 
;;  and  with  a 

Mrs.  Nelson's 

ieir  arrival  at 

carriage  ap- 

ome  his  sister 

the  hoiden — 
3  young  lady 
a  compliance 

manner. 

ie  opened  her 

jontempt  and 

iown  place!" 
)f  rats  there 

n,  where  the 
eir  entrance ; 
3  regard  the 
s  she  gazed 
so  beautiful. 
,  Maggie  felt 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  g^ 

a  strange  feeling  of  shyness  such  as  she  seldom  experienced 
B     whe„  her  hands  were  clasped  in  those,  so  small  andlt 
-When  she  felt  those  beautiful  lips  pressed  to  herche  k 

e   heait  fluttered  with  a  strange  and  hitherto  unknown  sen 
a     no     ,0,  and  pain  mi„.,ed.     She  looked  andll    so" 

ncr  „ouM  i,a,c  been  astonislicd  at  the  cimngc 

But  ,a  Charley  she  sa,v  a  ktad,ed  »pW.,  ^a  ^-^  hta  at  o„<» 
«he  made  up  friends.  "^aionce 


'M 


<-i 


68 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

MISS   MAGGIE'S   SENTIMENTS. 

••  Hurrah !  hurrali !  for  laughing  love, 

A  fig  for  tiiosG  wlio  sigh, 
Hurrah !  hurrah !  for  the  bounding  heart. 

And  the  bright  and  sparkling  cyo  ! 
The  smile  that  parts  the  rosy  lips, 

And  the  look  of  artless  glee 
That  speaks  of  the  warm  and  cheerful  heart, 

Oh !  that's  the  heart  for  me  V'—Auon. 

"How  do  vou  like  England,  Cousin  Maggie?"  inquired 
Charley,  about  an  hour  after  her  arrival,  as  they  both  sat  by 
themselves  at  the  window. 

"  Oh,  not  at  all !  I  think  it  a  detestable  olace  !"  replied 
Maggie,  disdainfully.  "I'm  sure  you  must  think  so  yourself ; 
did  you  ever  see  such  fogs  ?" 

"Why,  that's  nothing!"  replied  Charley,  "I  consider  it 
very  fine  to-day ;  in  fact  it's  seldom  we  have  such  fine  weather. 
It's  only  once  in  a  year  we  have  so  little  fog !" 

Maggie  opened  her  eyes,  and  stared  at  him  in  unbounded 
astonishment;  but  Charley's  countenance  was  as  grave  as 
that  of  a  judge. 

"  Well,  any  way,"  she  said,  after  a  pause,  "  I  hate  it,  and 
every  thing  in  it,  from  timt  dismal,  dreary  London  down  to 
this  musty,  rat-eaten  old  Dirtyhole,  as  Dido  calla  it." 


"*■»»».  L.    JIIIKJJIIUW! 


?"  inquired 
botli  sat  by 

e!".  replied 
io  yourself ; 

consider  it 
le  weather. 

unbounded 
i  grave  as 

late  it,  and 
1  down  to 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 
A  very  appropriate  name !"  remarkofl  PhnvJ 
i«g  bimsclf  leisurely.     ^Hand  JT.  ^'  '^''^'^• 

like  a  good  clnl<l  l"  '  ""'  '''''  ''''-''^''^  ^^^''^Sgie. 

"  I  won't  .'"said  Mao-frjo  •  <<  vnu',.,.  j,^    ■  i , 

the  room.  ^''  '°"''"'  ^"»  '>"•  from 

"  What  shall  I  show  you  first?"  he  inquired      u  . 
fond  of  pictures?"  inquired.     "Are  you 

.   ^^^'^^t  very ;  hut  if  you  have  any  to  show  .0,  nilook  at 

"Will  you,  really?"  muttered  Charley;  '  <  a  creat  «f  r...^   . 
conc^sceus.n  that,  on  your  part,  Miss'y.I!  r        "^^' °' 

J  ,      tan  I  30U  speak  out  loud,  so  a  bodv  Pon  i,« 
yon,  and  not  be  mumbling  to  yourself  in  17 
manner."  yourself  m  that  impertinent 

"I  beg  your  pardon,  Miss  Nelson  !"  said  Charl.v  fn 

n^  tone,  "  I  ..  merely  remarking  what  I  ^Z  Z 

etiatmg  young  lady  you  were.     I  didn't  say  it  aloud  for  Z' 

you  would  be  offended.     Are  all  th.  v    ,  '        ^^ 

you  are  ?"  '  ^  ^"^'^^  ^«  ^^g^cious  as 

"  ^^g^^ious  !  I  guess  so !"  replied  Magc^ie  •  «  and  ih.  h    . 
proof  they  ever  eave  of  h  ^      •     ,  •  '  *^®  ''^^* 

of  America     if d  t  ?'  '"     '""^  ^"  "^^  '''^^^^^^t^  <>"* 

America.    And  I  guess  they  won't  come  back  in  a  hurry  I" 


IT 


70 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


"Ah,  there's  consideiablo  Bunker  Hill  about  you?"  said 
Charley.  "  But  here  »vc  arc  in  tlie  picture-gallery.  Look  at 
your  ancestors.  Jlnggie— that  noble  train  of  gallant  lords, 
and  knights,  and  earls.  Arc  you  not  proud  to  be  dceceudcd 
from  so  i!     •iriou'       "no?' 

"  What  •  ;  loking  old  set  they  are !"  aaid  Maggie, 
thoughtfully,  ■.i.itho.il:  i*aying  any  attention  to  Charley's  af- 
fected cuthusii.,  .i.  "  ^  -•  ^  is  that  in  the  white  night-gown 
and  night-cap?" 

"Why,  Maggie!"  remons'.iated  her  cousin,  "that's  Ray- 
mond Danemore,  once  an  illustrious  bishop  ;  and  he  is  there 
represented  in  his  pontifical  robes!" 

"  You  don't  s.iy  !"  ejaculated  Maggie.  "  And  who's  that 
savage-looking  cut-throat,  with  the  sword  sticking  out  from 
his  side,  like  a  toasting-fork,  and  the  big  mustache,  looking 
like  two  rats'  tails  ?" 

"  Ton  my  word.  Miss  Nelson,  your  remarks  are  absolutely 
shocking.  That  most  renowned  warrior  is,  or  was,  the  Ear.'  of 
Danemore,  the  father  of  the  present  earl— our  grand  uncle- 
Maggie  !" 

"  What  a  horrid  old  fright  be  is !"  said  Maggie.  "  And 
there's,  who's— oh !  I  know  who  that  grim,  sulky-looking  gen- 
tleman is.     It's  our  uncle,  the  present  earl— ain't  it?" 

Cha.ley  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

"  And  that's  lady  Danemore  !"  said  Maggie,  turning  to  the 
next.  "  Tell  me  about  her,  Charley.  What  makes  her  look 
so  pale  and  sorrowful  ?" 

"Rather  a  difficult  question  to  answer,  ma  belle  cormml" 


T 


,  I. 


%» 


I  \ 


i 


111; 


It  you?"  said 
iry.  Look  at 
;;allant  lords, 
be  dcBceudctl 

said  Maggie, 
Charley  8  af- 
3  night-gown 

'that's  Ray- 
d  he  is  there 

I  who's  that 
og  out  from 
chc,  looking 

•e  absolutely 
i,  theEan'of 
and  uncle — 


?ie.     '*  And 
looking  gen- 
it?" 


ming  to  the 
ies  her  look 

le  coustml" 


i 


t 


THE  SECRET  SOKROW.  71 

answered  Charley  ;    "  she's  been    bo,   over  since  I  knew 
her  I" 

'•  And  how  long's  that?" 

"Oh,  a  good  many  years.     I  suppose  you  know  the  iate 
Lady  Danemore  has  been  dead  a  long  time  ? " 

"Yes,  I  know  it;  mamma  told  me  so,"  replied  Mag- 
gie. 

"Well,"  said  Charley,  "  it  seems  the  present  countess  ia 
by  birth  a  French  lady :  her  name  was  Madeline  Rochfort. 
Being  left  an  orphan  at  a  very  early  age,  an  old  English  lady 
took  a  fancy  to  her,  and  adopted  her.  At  the  house  of  this 
old  lady  the  earl  first  saw  her ;  and,  being  deeply  enamored 
of  her  extraordinary  beauty,  at  once  begged  her  to  become 
Lady  Danem.ore.  How  such  a  handsome  lady  could  fall  m 
love  with  an  old  man  like  that,  is,  I  must  confess,  past  my 
penetration  ;  but,  as  there  is  no  accounting  for  tastes,  I  sup- 
pose she  did  love  him,  else  she  would  not  have  married  him. 
Some  ill-natured  people  say  she  took  him  for  his  wealth  and 
rank,  but  whether  she  did  or  not  is  more  than  I  know.  At 
any  rate  she  became  Lady  of  Dirritole,  whatever  were  her 
reasons.  At  that  time  she  was  just  as  pale,  and  as  silent, 
and  sad,  as  now,  and  will  be,  I  think,  while  she  lives." 
"  Some  secret  sorrow,  perhaps  !"  suggested  Maggie. 
"  So  romantic,  folks  say  !"  replied  Charley  ;  "  but,  for  my 
part,  I  think  it  is  the  nature  of  the  bea— I  mean  her  natural 
manner.  Some  people,  you  know,  are  by  nature  taciturn 
and  quiet — my  cousin  Maggie,  for  instance." 
"  Oh,  what  handsome  boys !"  exclaimed  Maggie,  suddenly 


li 


I  '■ 


^^  THE  SECRET  SORROW. 

tuning  ,0  ...0  portrait,  tangle,  .,,„  ,^  ,„^_    .,  ^^  ^^ 

«ppcnra„0».     I|c  „,,„  „|,|„„,,„, ,_,  |,^,  ^^^ 

I>.e«.a„.,  cl,„o,v  c„„,,„o„.n,....    o«  ,„.  ,„„„„  .,,        ^'j*' 

3::.::::r::^r::~:::f;;-ri 

hovered  above  his  head.  ^  "'^* 

The  ocher  was  a  dark-eyed,  dark-haired,  haughty-lookin. 
boy,  whose   proud,  handso.ne  f.aco  wore  so  strong  a  rosem 
b  anco  o  the  oar,  that  Maggie  eonjeetured  hi.  to  ^  ^ 
He  looked,  as  he  stood  there,  so  haughtily  erect,  the  very  ern 
bodimeiit  of  pride  and  scorn.  ^ 

"Oh, /ioiulmndsome!"  reopitPfl  T\rn«„:„       xl     . 
iiHh   n      ■    ^,  "^»^*^'^^"' ^^aggie,  enthusiast  callv. 

Oh,  Cousui  Charley,  who  arc  they  ?" 

"^^'h>'' the  younger  of  the  two,  the  dark-looking  one  is  vour 
Cou^nH.^^^ 

Charley  laughed. 

"Upon  my  honor,   Miss  Nelson,   that's  a    very  frank 
avowal;  but  Tm  afraid  its  little  use  for  you  to  love  Wm 
Poor  Walter .-'  he  added,  with  a  heavy  sigh 


SiTTfii^ 


ide.    «« Who 


oro 


78 


7  dissimilar  in 
T  wore  a  bright, 
I  white  forehead 
1  I)y  the  breeze. 
?»  l<)oJt,  tliat  iu- 
n»  but  the  thin 
I  that  someliow 
li  one  hand  en- 
1  tlie  otiier  pro- 
ved hawk  that 

nighty-looking 
trong  a  rcsera- 
to  be  his  son. 
t,  the  very  em- 

thusiastically. 

igone,  isyour 
•fullyproud?" 
n  I"  esclaim- 


very  frank 
to  love  him. 


THE  SECnET  SORROW. 
••  Oh,  Clmriey!  how  can  you  be  «o  provoking?    Don  t  you 

^>  '11,  he  was  ti.o  Karl  of    Danemor.s   el.lest  son    tho 
r^htf.    r ord of  Arndaie,  the  noblest-hearted  fellow tla'o 
drew  tho  breath  of  life." 

;:  t'"\'"!^,"' ''  '»  •"-'■  >•">">'«'  Mnggio,  eagerly. 

brtal  TIT'*"'"  """  '-'''""^'  "'""J"  1'as.i.BoverUi. 

origlit,  liandsouie  young  face. 

••Ob  C^U,U,C,,„,,ey  ,■■.„,,„„,„,,,  i„„„^^,,,„, 

Umf™,!     '"    ,  '■""™"'"'  '■""'"»■•  ""•">■■■  ■•'IKT  drove 
tarn    „„  ,„„„wl™vc.  I,i,„  ,„  ,,i.  ,„,,, .  ,„.  „.„,  ,1^  ^       ,., 

•     o„.  „„.dr,„  r  .,„>,  M„„,,ie,  8„„ia«  vcv  pa,c.  ™  , 
(liilitJiappcii?    Tell  me  eousin  !■■ 

timrle,  „au.e,l  for  a  „,<,„e„t,  a„,l  g„.e,l  .bcghtfully  „ 
tl.e|..e.,„e,  tl,e„  he  turned  to  Maggie,  „„.,  .ega,  in  aTo,  „ 

zLr  '■°"'" """  *™ "'"° '" """°'  °"°  °'  °-^- 

oMc,  .ban  In,  l,r„,|,er,  „„j  „,  „„„,,„,  ,,,„,^  > 

on   an    „,„,.n        3  „  ,„„,,.     „-„„„  wa,  „,il„,  bno;; , 

IT:, ;;:: ""","'  °"°"  °'  "■°  "■^^■-  -'<-  --yoL  i, 

n,ct,  ,  |,e.  r,el,  or  poor.  i„  che  «„„.e  Ira,,,,,,  earele»  „.a„. 
ncr  II.,, J,  on  t|,e  eo„tra,j,  wa,  very  „ro„d,  evea  from 
ebrlcl  oo,l-,i,e  „i,  ,.,„,  „,  ,„,^.  j  ,.,, J        ^      2 

cm  led  b„  mo.„er.     S,i,|,  „.„,„„  „„,,,^  ,,.,,  ,.„,„_,  j"- 
and  reserved,  be  really  loved  hi,  brother,  and  bis  e„„    ,„.„. 

de,,.or.e.„      ,1       .n..,,rn.om,„any„.era,,e,b..o!v    : 
lu»  .a»b,  bo,.headed  condnet  d,ew  Mm,  and  be,  ,.anv  a  Um.. 

7 


^?5!iy,W.W  I'TK.t'W'lwi^jWw 


^fmsssssmm?^-- 


74 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Bliloldcd  liini  from  h\»  futlipr'n  ntifior.  Walter's  favorite 
imHtiino  was  llu"  cliaHi'.  Kvi-ry  day  huw  him  out  with  Iii.s  gim, 
and  by  constant  practice,  ho  Hoon  became  an  cxocllont  marlis- 
man.  Still  hu  was  exceedingly  careless,  and  often,  by  hia 
recklessness,  did  nnich  unintentional  mischief.  The  earl 
had  at  that  time  a  dofr,  of  whom  he  was  very  fond— the  ani- 
mal haviui,'  on  more  than  one  occasioti  saved  his  life.  Ono 
day,  as  Walter  was  out,  as  usuid,  in  the  forest,  he  saw,  what 
in  the  distsince  he  supposed  to  be  a  deer,  fired,  and  shot  tho 
animal  dead.  .Ju(l<!;o  of  his  horror  and  consternation,  when, 
upon  coming  up,  he  discovered  it  to  be  his  father's  dog.  Ho 
knew  how  attached  tho  carl  was  to  tho  unfortunate  animal, 
and  how  terrilih^  would  be  his  wrath,  when  he  discovered  its 
loss.  Still  Walter  never  for  a  moment  thought  of  telling  a 
falsehood,  to  conceal  what  he  had  done.  He  went  to  his 
father,  and  frankly  avowed  tho  deed— expressing,  at  tho  time, 
his  sincere  sorrow  for  the  accident. 

"  Tho  earl's  rage  was  frightful  at  tho  news.  Never  being 
accustomed  to  subdue  his  passions,  they  had  always  found 
full  sway.  lie  stamjjcd,  raved,  and  swore  like  a  madman,  in 
fact,  had  ho  lost  all  he  owned  in  the  world,  lie  could  not  have 
been  in  a  fiercer  passion. 

"  "Walter  listened  iu  silence  to  his  cutting  reproaches.  I 
can  see  him  now,  as  ho  stood  then,  his  lips  so  bitterly  com- 
pressed, his  eyes  flashing  with  subdued  anger.  At  last,  in 
his  blind  fury,  tho  earl  struck  him  and  bade  him  leave  the 
house.  I  shall  never  forget  the  fierce  look  of  his  face  as  he 
turned  and  fled  from  his  home  forever. 


liter's  fftvorito 
t  with  liLs  fi;iin, 
:cclloiit  murks- 

often,  by  bis 
of.  Tlio  cnri 
ond — tho  iiiii- 
his  life.  Ono 
,  he  Huw,  what 

and  shot  tho 
•nation,  when, 
ler's  dog.  Ho 
unato  animal, 
discovered  its 
ht  of  telling  a 
i  went  to  his 
g,  at  the  time. 

Never  being 
always  found 
a  madman,  in 
ould  not  have 

oproaches.  I 
bitterly  com- 
.  At  last,  in 
lim  leave  the 
lis  face  as  he 


i 


THE  SEfRET  fiOUnOW. 


75 


•'  In  his  anger,  tlio  earl  searcdy  knew  wiiat  ho  had  Naid  or 
done  ;  l;«t  as  Doon  as  tho  llrst  i)an)xysin  of  ni^re  was  past  ho 
began  to  regni  his  brutal  frcn/y.  II,.  w,)iil,l  i„ive  given 
worldH  to  have  recalled  iiis  wordn,  l.uL  it  wjih  now  too  Into. 
Still,  ho  lived  in  the  liope  his  son  would  ivtuin  ;  Imt  in  vain. 
About  a  week  after  that  fatal  day,  word  was  brought  him 
that  tho  body  of  a  yonlii,  answering  the  dos,  ..ption  of  his 
son,  had  k-^n  washed  ashore  some  miles  distant, 

"Almost  maddened  by  the  news,  he  hurried  to  the  place, 
but  found  that  the  body  had  been  interred.  The  clothes  of 
tho  unfortunate  boy  were  shown  him,  auvl  ho  immediately 
recognized  them  as  those  of  his  son. 

"  From  that  day  he  grew  morose  and  gloomy,  and  has 
never  since  permitted  his  sou's  name  to  be  spoken  in  his  pres- 
ence. All  his  hopes  are  now  centered  in  Harry,  who,  at  his 
brother's  death,  l)ecamo  Lord  Arndalo— he  is  tho  last  dc- 
cicendant  of  a  long  lino  of  noble  ancestors— and  tho  earl  is 
resolved  that  the  name  shall  not  die  with  him." 

"The  wicked  old  wretch! "  exclaimed  Maggie,  her  cheeks 
glowing,  and  her  eyes  sparkling  with  indignation,  "I  just 
wish  I  had  a  chance  to  tell  him  a  piece  of  my  mind.  Oh  !  I'm 
real  sorry  he  is  any  relation  to  me— the  tyrauical,  domineer- 
ing, ugly  tempered  old  curmudgeon  I" 

"  The  Lord  preserve  me  from  your  wrath  !"  exclaimed  Char- 
ley, piously  ;  "  you've  got  a  spunky  tongue,  my  sweet  cousin." 
"  How  can  you  speak  in  that  unfeeling  tone,  Charley  Sid- 
ney?" said  Maggie,  impa'  -'ntly  ;  "  it  is  well  ho  is  not  in  our 
glorious  land  of  freedom,  vr  he  would  not  get  off  after  mur- 


J 


^^  THE  SECRET  SORROTV. 

dering  his  own  son,  so  easily.     His  wealth  and  rank  would 
not  shield  him  tJierc  !." 

"My  dear  eousin,  you  state  the  ea.e  too  strongly      He 
did  not  murder  his  son,"  said  Charley.  ^ 

"Well,  it  was  all  the  same,"  retorted  his  cousin-  -his 
seeing  ten,,ei.  was  the  cause.  There,  you  needn't  say 
ano  her  word  in  his  defense  ;  I  can't  bear  to  think  of  it  Let 
"s^change  the  subject.     Where  is  Lord  Arndale  now  P" 

In  London,  I  believe,"  replied  the  young  gentleman 
stretching  hin.self  languidly  on  a  lounge.  ' 

"  "What  is  he  doing  there?" 

"  "'";;'"  ■""■>■  '""""■"  ™  tte  pious  a«^e,.    -  Courting 
foHoo.,.,,  „033„.3.  a.  ,.i..     He.  a  c,esp„ate°feW  ^ 

bI'o!:?:,:  z.,!:"^ "  "^  """'^o  •»  -~  «^«  ^« 

"^Vhy,  the  Btage-coaeh  di.ver,"  replied  Maggie     ..Ha 
"»ed  to  live  i.  «,e  fa.„i,j.,  „„,  ,„„,,  J„,„„,  ..^r'"        "' 

and  lie  told  joii  that,  did  he ? " 

Jl^-,  a«d  a  g,eat  deal  „„re ,»  said  Maggie.    ..fe,  » 

"Well  really,  I  eant  say,"  repUed  Charley.  ..  I  believe 
Am  ale  „..s  a  faaey  that  way ;  ha.  whether  .he  earl  wiUallo™ 
him  to  marry  her  or  ,iot,  is  another  thmg  " 


f^' 


and  rank  would 

3  strongly.     He 

is  cousin;  " hia 
ou  needn't  say 
liinJv:  of  it.     Let 
lie  now?" 
'iig  gentleman, 


!!•  '-Courting 
ting  somebody 
ite  fellow,  that 

>nie  Miss  Alice 

tbat,  did  you  ?• 

'aggie.     "  He 
it." 

'  John  Smith ; 

e.     "Isn't  it 

"  I  believe 
arl  will  allow 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


77 


"  Why,  you  don't  mean  to  say  he'd  be  ugly  enough  to  pre- 
vent  him  if  he  wanted  to  ?"  said  Maggie,  opening  her  eyes. 

"  My  dear  cousiu,"  said  Charley,  "  what  an  innocent  little 
natural  you  are,  I  should  think,  after  the  specimen  I  have 
given  you  of  my  uncle's  pleasant  temper,  you  wouldn't  besur- 
prised  at  anything  he  would  do." 

"  Well,  what  are  his  objections  to  the  match  ?"  inquired 
Maggie.     ' '  Is  the  lady  not  rich  ? " 

"  Not  very,"  was  the  reply  ;  "  but  thafs  not  the  reason." 
"  Then  what  is  it?"  persisted  the  questioner. 
"  I  don't  know  what  it  is  myself  very  well,"  answered  Mr. 
Sidney  ;  "  but  Kate,  who  is  pretty  well  versed  in  these  family 
matters,  says  his   refusal  originated  in  some  quarrel  Sir  Hugh 
Desmond  and  the  earl  had  formerly.    I  think,  before  Lady 
Desmond  married  Sir  Hugh,  the  earl  had  proposed  and  been 
rejected.  As  he  is  not  of  a  very  forgiving  temper,  this  affront 
has  rankled  in  his  mind  ever  since,  and  has  caused  his  dislike 
to  the  Desmonds.     I  think  he  will  change  greatly  before  he 
allows  Arndale  to  marry  Miss  Desmond." 

"  The  contrary  old  crab  ;  I'd  marry  her  in  spite  of  him,  if 
I  were  Lord  Arndale." 

"I've  no  doubt  of  it,"  said  Charley  drily;  "bat  your 
worthy  cousin  has  mighty  high  notions  of  duty,  ano  would 
never  do  it.  Besides,  the  earl  has  other  objectioL..  Sir 
Hugh  is,  comparatively  speaking,  poor,  and  his  daughter 
would  never  do  for  the  son  of  Lord  Danemore.  Indeed,  on 
the  whole,  I  rather  think  Lord  Arndale  and  Miss  Desmond 
will  never  be  married," 

7* 


-'jjgja'  jw.^  jLu^j.jiMMawi»tawi.i 


78 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Maggie  turned  and  gazed  earnestly  at  the  portraits  of  the 
two  boys.  Charley  Sidney  watched  her  for  a  moment,  with 
a  half  smile  on  his  face,  and  then,  starting  from  his  seat,  he 
said: 

"  Come,  Maggie,  they'll  wonder  in  the  parlor  where  we've 
gone  to.     Let  iis  go  down." 

And  tucking  his  cousin  under  his  arm,  they  quitted  the  pic- 
ture-gallery. 


traits  of  the 
nomcnt,  with 
a  his  seat,  he 

where  we've 

litted  the  pic- 


THE  SECRET  SOREOW. 


19 


CHAPTER  Vm. 

A   SECOND  Nionx  IN  THE  OLD  MOOR  MANOR. 

"  Oh,  tell  mo,  father,  can  the  dead 
Walk  on  the  earth,  and  look  on  us, 

And  lay  upon  tlic  living's  head 
Their  blessings  or  their  eurse?" — WJiitiier. 

The  long,  weary  day  had  passed,  and  night,  dark,  dreary, 
chilly,  and  starless,  settled  down  once  more  over  the  old 
Moor  Manor.  The  dark,  gloomy  clouds  that  had  hung  over 
the  sky  all  day  seemed  to  grow  blacker  and  more  threatening 
as  the  night  drew  on.  The  cold,  moaning  wind  came  sweep- 
ing across  the  desolate  moor,  and  blew  raw  and  damp  through 
many  a  crevice  in  the  old  mansion.  Dreai^  and  desolate  was 
the  scene  without,  and  almost  equally  desolate  was  the  scenti 
within. 

The  bright  fire  that  glowed  so  pleasantly  in  the  huge  fire- 
place was  the  only  cheering  sight  in  the  vast  empty  room. 

Seated  in  the  chimney-corner,  enveloped  carefully  in  a  large 
cloak,  was  Alice  Desmond.  The  red  firelight  shone  on  her 
pale  face,  showing  the  lonely,  dreary  look  it  wore.  The  long, 
fair  hair  streamed  uncarod  for  down  her  shoulders.  One 
small,  snowy  hand  supported  her  head,  while  she  gazed  sad- 
ly and  steadfastly  into  the  fire.     Sighs,  long  and  deep,  at 


M^: 


m 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


times  came  from  her  pale  lips,  but  her  eyes  had  a  hard,  dry, 
tearless  look. 

By  her  side  sat  Janie,  looking  pretty  and  neat  as  usual, 
but  rather  paler  than  was  her  wont,  while  a  nervous,  startled, 
restless  look  was  on  her  face.  At  every  sound  she  would 
start  and  grow  paler,  for  the  terror  of  the  previous  night  had 
quite  uustruug  her  nerves.  Sometimes  her  eyes  would  wander 
to  the  face  of  her  young  mistress  with  a  look  of  deep  pity, 
that  showed  how  sincerly  her  sorrows  were  felt. 

John  sat  opposite,  busy  replenishing  the  fire — conversing 
at  times,  in  a  low  whisper,  to  Janie,  but  even  the  sound  of 
their  own  voices  startled  them,  and  they  quickly  relapsed  into 
silence.  The  shadows  came  flitting  hither  and  thither  through 
the  dreary  old  room — not  even  the  bright  blaze  of  the  fire  in 
the  hugh  chimney  could  banish  the  deepening  gloom.  The 
wind  had  that  peculiar  wailing  sound  which  it  ever  has  when 
it  enters  old  buildings,  shaking  the  rafters,  and  flapping  soni' 
broken  shutter  at  intervals,  with  a  noise  that  made  both  turn 
pale. 

But  on  Miss  Desmond  those  drearj  noiAOi  =  emed  to  pro- 
duce no  effect.  She  was  tuiaking  of  !  ;•  iaiuer,  all  alone  in 
his  bereavement,  of  Lord  Arndale,  so  brave,  so  noble-hearted, 
yet  unable  to  aid  her  now. 

She  wondered  lo  what  cause  her  absence  might  be  assigned ; 
then,  as  fancy  conjured  some  injurious  report  that  her  mys- 
terious absence  might  give  rise  to,  and  thought  of  the  grief 
and  trouble  of  those  she  lovod,  she  bowed  her  face  ou  her 
hands,  and  sobbed  aloud. 


1 


J 


I 


a  Jkard,  drvj 

?at  as  usual, 
'US,  startled, 
:1  she  would 
IS  night  had 
3uld  wander 
f  deep  pity, 

-conversing 
e  sound  of 
lapsed  into 
ler  through 

the  fire  in 
»om.  The 
'  has  when 
piug  som. 

both  turn 

i  to  pro- 
1  alone  in 
i-hearted, 

issigned ; 
her  mys- 
the  grief 
e  ou  her 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  gj 

In  a  moment  Janie  was  by  her  side,  her  arms  round  the 
young  lady's  neck,  while  she  said,  husivily  : 

"  My  dear,  dear  young  lady,  do  not  grieve.  You  will  yet 
be  out  of  the  power  of  the  wicked  earl.  John  and  I  have  de- 
cided on  a  plan  for  your  escape." 

Miss  Desmond  8  pale  face  grew  a  shade  paler,  as  she  ex- 
claimed,  11  urriedly : 

"  No,  no,  no !  You  must  not  think  of  such  a  thing.  I 
would  not  escape  if  I  could.  Promise  me  you  will  not  think 
of  such  a  thinff." 

A  very  significant  "  ahem,"  from  John,  at  this  moment, 
warned  Janie  not  to  promise  any  such  thing. 

"  But,  dear  Miss  Alice,"  said  Janie,  "  how  can  we  stop  in 
this  horrid,  haunted  place?  We  will  freeze  with  the  cold  if 
we  stop  in  it  much  longer.  I  am  sure  it  is  not  fit  for  rats  or 
ghosts  to  live  in." 

"  You  wiU  not  be  obliged  to  stay  in  it  much  longer,  my 
dear  girl ;  the  earl  is  to  take  us  to  Stanton  to-morrow.  It 
maices  little  difference  to  me,  however,  where  we  stay  " 
added  the  lady  with  a  sigh. 

"But  oh!  my  dear  lady,  this  dreadful  place  is  haunted- 
We  saw  the  most  frightful  ghost,  last  night,  that  ever  ap- 
peared.    Holy  saints  prcsen-e  us  !" 

And  with  a  convulsive  shudder  Janie  covered  her  face  with 
her  hands,  and  lowered  her  voice  to  a  horse  whisper. 

Had  her  o^^-n  thoughts  not  been  so  sad,  Miss   Desmond 
would  have  smiled  at  the  superstitious  fears  of  the  girl ;  now 
however,  she  said,  gravely :  ' 


I- 1 ! 


'I''.  > 


WH 


82 


THE  SECRET    tORROW. 


•'  My  good  Janie,  it  is  wrong  to  give  way  to  those  super- 
stitious  fears.  It  is  only  a  silly  fancy  that  the  dead  can  re- 
visit the  earth.  I  thought  you  had  too  much  sense  to  give 
way  to  the  foolish  fancies  of  an  over-excited  brain,  and 
mistake  a  phantom  of  feverish  fear  from  reality." 

"  That's  what  the  earl  said  !"  remarked  John,  rather  sulk- 
Uy ;  «'  but  he  seen  it  himself  for  all,  and  got  as  white  as  a 
sheet.  I  don't  know  how  we  could  all  see  it,  if  it  was  a 
fancy  of  Janie's,  For  my  own  part  J  could  take  my  gospel 
oath  I  seen  it  as  plain  as  I  do  you  now.  Miss  Alice,  with  fi 
face  like  a  skeleton,  and  the  flames  of  fire  coming  out  of  his 
mouth!" 

Johi.'s  voice  involuntarily  sank  as  he  went  on,  and  Janie 
shuddered  convulsively  as  memory  recalled  the  apparition. 
Even  while  he  spoke,  a  low,  hollow  groan  fj-om  overhead 
sounded  distinctly  through  the  gloomy  room,  and,  with  a 
simultaneous  cry,  John  and  Janie  sprang  to  their  feet,  white 
as  ashes.  Miss  Desmond  alone  kept  her  seat,,  though  she, 
too,  started  f  "d  j^rcw  a  shade  paler. 

"Oh,  Miss  /.lice!  Miss  Alice!  did  you  hear  that?"  ex- 
claimed John,  while  Janie  stood  pallid  with  fear,  unable  to 
speak.     ' '  What  do  you  say  noiv  ?" 

"  I  know  uot,"  replied  Alice,  in  a  voice  that  trembled 
slightly,  in  spite  of  herself ;  "  Init  still  I  cannot  believe  it  to 
be  a  si)irit.  It  must  have  been  the  rats  or  the  wind— the 
wind  often  makes  A-ery  singular  noises." 

"It  never  made  thivt ;  listen— there  it  is  again  !"  exclaimed 
John,  hia  teeth  chattering  with  terror,  as  a  low,  agonized 


'•^SS^v 


those  super* 

lead  can  re- 

inse  to  give 

brain,   and 

rather  sulk- 
ta  white  as  a 
,  if  it  was  a 
e  my  gospel 
Vlice,  with  n 
g  out  of  his 

1,  and  Janie 
apparition, 
n  overhead 
nd,  with  a 
'  feet,  white 
though  she, 

that?"  ex- 
,  unable  to 

It  trembled 

)elieve  it  to 

wind — the 

exclaimed 
,  agonized 


(' 


"VW 


■t  f 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


88 


groan  caL.c  distinctly  to  their  ears.  "  Oh,  Miss  Alice,  the 
curse  of  God  is  on  this  liouso  !" 

"  Heaven  help  us  !'  exclaimed  the  young  girl,  with  a  shud- 
der,    "  I  would  the  carl  were  hero  !" 

As  if  in  answer  to  her  wish,  a  loud  knock  came  to  the 
door.  Again  and  again  it  was  repeated,  before  John  could 
rise  from  his  scat,  with  a  violence  that  made  the  old  man- 
sion shake. 

"There  is  the  earl,  now!"  exclaimed  Alice,  eagerly; 
"  hasten,  John,  and  open  the  door  !" 

John  needed  no  second  bidding.  Springing  to  bis  feet,  he 
started  from  the  room,  and  in  another  moment,  Alice  neard 
the  bolt  drawn  back.  But  instead  of  the  earl's  voice,  with  a 
cry  of  terror,  John  fled  back  into  the  room,  closely  followed 
by  a  most  singular-looking  personage. 

It  was  an  old  woman,  apparently  almost  sixty  years  of 
age.     Her  dress  consisted  of  a  gown  of  coarse,  grey  woolen 
stuff,  with  a  cloak  of  the  same  material.     A  rich  handker- 
chief of  crimson  silk,  striped  with  black,  covered  her  head, 
and  was  knotted  under  her  chin.     Her  face  was  singularly 
repulsive-the  skin  being  wrinkled,  yellow,  and  withered,  and 
so  thin  that  the  checks  seemed  shrunken  into  dry  skin.     Her 
nose,  large  and  prominent,  increased  her  meagre  look,  while 
her  mouth  was  sunken  in  until  her  nose  and  chin  seemed 
nearly  to  meet.     Her  eyes,  small,  black,  and  fiery,  were  as 
bright  and  sharp  as  needles,  and  had  an  expression  so  wild, 
piercing  and  fierce,  that  the  etoutost  heart  might  well  quail 
before  U;em.     She  leaned  upon  a  stout  oftkeu  stick— but  her 


IW*- 


84 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


erect  flgnre  seemed  to  denote  that  she  carried  it  more  from 
habit  than  necessity. 

This  singular  old  crone  had  two  companions.  One  was  a 
child  not  more  than  ton  years  of  age.  She  was  dressed  in 
the  saujo  manner  as  the  old  woman,  with  a  grey  woolen 
mantle  and  dress,  a  bright  silk  handkerchief  tied  on  her  head. 
But  in  every  other  respect  a  more  complete  contrast  could 
not  be  found.  The  dark,  ovr.l  face  was  perfectly  beautiful— 
the  features,  small  and  exquisitely  formed— the  large,  dark 
Syrian  eyes,  bright  and  clear  as  stars.  Yet  over  that  fair 
young  face  hung,  like  a  vail,  an  expression  of  the  most  pro- 
found sorrow.  She  now  stood  quietly  by  the  old  woman's 
side,  her  large,  starry  eyes  gazing  wonderingly  around. 

The  other  was  a  huge,  fierce,  blood-thirsty-looking  dog, 
which,  as  he  entered,  sprang  forward  with  a  hoarse  growl. 

"Down,  Death!  bo  still,  sir!"  called  the  old  woman, 
sharply,  and  the  obedient  animal  crouched  quietlv  at  her 
fe,i 

The  voice  of  the  new-comer  was  in  keeping  with  her  looks 
—being  harsh  and  croaking,  with  a  strange,  foreign  sound. 
She  stood  in  silence,  watching  the  affrighted  group,  with  an 
evil  sneer,  on  her  brown,  shrunken  face.  All  present  knew 
her  well— it  was  Mother  Wail,  the  "Witch  of  the  Moor. 

"  Well,"  she  began,  fixing  he  sinister,  black  eyes  on  the 

shrinking  form  of  Alice,  "  this  is  a  dainty  abode  for  a  lady ! 

Ii  is  long  since  the  old  haunted  Moor  Manor  has  had  so  fair 

ma  occupant!" 

There  was  no  reply.     Alice's  eyes  were  fixed,  as  if  fascin- 


-  -.liumiiimlmmslmm 


t  more  from 

One  was  a 
3  dressed  in 
;rcy  woolen 
on  lior  head, 
ntrast  could 
beautiful — 
large,  dark 
r  that  fair 
e  most  pro- 
Id  woman's 
•ound. 
oking  dog, 
30  gro?\l. 
Id  woman, 
jtly  at  her 

h  her  looks 
ign  sound, 
ip,  with  an 
esent  knew 
oor. 

yes  on  the 
for  a  lady ! 
lad  so  fair 

I  if  fascin- 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


85 


ated,  on  the  dark  face  of  the  hag,  while  John   and  Janie 
crouched  back  with  fear. 

"  And  you  have  been  forced  from  home — forced  from  your 
father — brought  hither  by  the  Earl  of  Dauemorc  against  your 
will !  Answer  me,  is  it  not  so?"  fcried  the  old  woman,  still 
gazing  piercingly  on  Alice. 

"  I  hardly  think  I  am  obliged  to  answer  j'ou,"  said  Alice, 
recovering  her  composure.  "  You  will  greatly  oblige  us  by 
leaving  the  room." 

"  So  you  will  not  answer?'  said  the  crone,  with  a  sneer ; 
"  as  well  as  if  it  mattered.  "Why  girl,  I  know  as  much  about 
the  matter  as  yourself.  But  his  day  of  reckoning  is  yet  to 
.come.  There  is  a  cloud  hanging  over  his  house  which  will 
soon  burst— a  shadow  above  his  head  which  will  darken  all 
his  life,  disgrace  and  ill,  and  shameful  death  to  those  he 
loves  best— and  the  doom  brought  on  by  his  own  hand  shall 
soon  fall.  The  viper  that  for  years  he  has  cherished  will  be 
the  first  to  sting  him.  Yes,  the  day  of  reckoning  is  at  hand  ; 
and  when  it  comes  then  shall  be  my  triumph.  Hist !  I  hear 
his  horse's  hoofs  on  the  moor.  Our  time  for  meeting  has  not 
yet  come,  though  it  is  at  hand.  Come,  Magdalen— come 
Death  I" 

She  drew  her  cloak  closely  around  her,  and  turned  from 
the  manor  quickly,  followed  l)y  the  child  and  the  huge  dog. 

Scarcely  had  she  disappeared,  when  the  sound  of  horse's 
hoofs  rapidly  approaching,  gave  warning  that  '^(^  earl 
was  near  at  hand.  In  a  moment  more  the  earl's  voice 
was  heard  calling  to  John  to  come  and  tuke  charge  of  hit 

8 


^\V 


r*"^ '  '^.  '-d.^    •■'»'.-<ii^ 


**  THE  SECRET  SORROW 

"  You  had  a  visitor  horo  to-nio-i,(    .v  t      •      , 

to  the  door  and  tno^i-^,!        i  .  ^""-c.        ^le  came 

I  roaUy  don  I  know,"  replied  Aliee  ■  «  .he  .». 
probably  on  her  wov  l,nm„       ,  '  "  passing, 

to  enter     A  iLhn  '  ""'"^  '""  "=""•  ■»"•''>  "old 

I  beW."       '     "  ""'  ""'  ^°--«ttoran„„„.„a,  aigl.t, 

"  Who  accompanied  her?" 

"A  little  girl  whom  she  called  MaffdnlAn        i      , 
Death. "  JViagdalen,  and  a  dog  named 

«.:i:::ro::;^'''''™'''^"-'<'*™-<..o-. 


g-^^^SBBigaiii^BBaBiBi 


TUE  8ECKET  SORROW. 


$t 


'lis  appear- 
liicli  lio  had 

I  ontcring, 

;uo?" 

aid  Alice, 

not?"  so'" 

Witch  of 

locklicnd, 
'1  angrily, 
slie  camo 
'OUT  lord- 

iously. 
passing, 
ide  bold 
al  sight, 

;  named 
to  sift 
>rd3 :  it 


The  carl  gazed  sloadily  into  her  fa<'c  for  a  monient ;  then 
turning  nl)nii>(!y,  ho  strode  to  Hio  window,  and  stood  as  if 
endeavoring  to  pierce  witli  his  eyes  the  thick  <l!irkuess,  The 
storm,  meanwhile,  was  each  mo-    -t  inereasin"'. 

"Wo  will  hardly  bo  a  .  ni.irt  for  Stanton  to-morrow, 
my  lord,"  said  Alice,  after  a  pause. 

"  ITardly,  I  think,"  replied  the  carl,  dryly. 

"  When  are  we  to  go.  then?"  inquired  Alice. 

The  carl  made  no  reply  for  a  nionieut ;  then  coming  over 
to  where  she  sat,  he  said,  coolly  : 

"  :Miss  Desmond,  I  have  been  thinking  the  matter  soriously 
over,  a.id  I  have  come  to  tne  conclusion  that  it  is  better  for 
you  not  to  be  removed  at  all.     Your  absence  has,  as  you  may 
imagine,  created  many  surmises  and  rumors  ;  and  knowing 
the  feelings  that  have  for  wu  long  a  time  existed  between  our 
families  there  arc  many  ready  even  now  to  link  our  name  to- 
gether in  this  affair.     Were  I  to  convey  you  to  Stanton,  as  I 
at  first  proposed,  my  absence  at  the  same  time  with  you 
would  give  ground  to  this  report;  an  investigation  would 
probably  follow,  and  the  whole  matter  be  thus  brought  to 
light.     This,  I  am  sure,  you  are  as  anxious  to  avoid  as  I  am 
myself;  and  the  only  way  to  do  so  is  by 'remaining  quietly 
here — at  least  for  the  present.     I  shall  have  everything  you 
want  conveyed  to  you  ;  and  with  those  two  servants  you  will 
be  able  to  pass  the  time,  I  trust.     As  for  that  intrusive  old 
woman,  I  shall  take  measures  to  keep  her  tongue  still  on  the 
subject,  and  care  must  be  taken  to  prevent  a  sirailiar  visit  for 
the  future.    I  shall  have  the  windows  boarded  up  in  such  4 


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88 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


manner  that  the  light  of  the  fire  will  no  longer  be  a  guide  to 
tell  it  is  inhabited.  I  myself  shall  frequently  visit  you,  and 
see  that  everything  necessary  for  your  comfort  is  provided." 

*'  And  we  must  stay  in  this  awful  place,  that  is  filled  with 
horrible  ghosts  !"  exclaimed  Janie.  "  Oh,  indeed,  I  will  not 
for  one  !     I  would  sooner  die  than  stay  here !" 

"  Perhaps  you  will  be  obliged  to  choose  between  the  two, 
fool !"  said  the  earl,  fiercely.  "  Stay  you  must,  and  shall ! 
My  reputation  is  not  to  be  risked  for  tne  silly  fears  of  a  pul- 
ing girl.  Everything  you  want  shall  be  brought  to  you,  and 
you  will  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  remain  here  quietly  for  a 
few  weeks.  The  sights  you  fancy  you  see  here  are  nothing 
but  foolish  vagaries  of  an  over-excited  imagination.  You 
have  heard  so  many  idle  stories  of  this  old  house  being 
haunted,  that  you  have  at  last  come  to  believe  it,  and  t"his  ac- 
counts for  your  fancied  ghosts.  And  now  mark  my  words, 
both  of  you!"  he  said,  turning  to  the  two  servants,  with 
subdued  fierceness,  "if  I  ever  discover  cither  of  you  make 
the  least  attempt  to  escape,  or  ever  mention  the  slightest 
word  of  ever  having  been  here,  you  shall  repent  it  the  long- 
est day  you  live !  As  for  your  mistress,  I  need  say  nothing 
on  the  subject  to  her — she  has  too  much  good  sense  to  be  an- 
noyed by  your  silly  fears,  and,  I  fancy,  will  not  try  to 
escape.  Is  it  not  so,  Miss  Desmond?"  he  asked,  turning  to 
her  abruptly. 

"I  most  certainly  shall  obey  you,  my  lord,"  said  Alice,, 
with  calm  dignity,  though  she  had  grown  decidedly  pale  at 
}us  words, 


THE  SECRET  SORKOW. 


89 


!  a  guide  to 
it  you,  and 
provided." 
i  filled  with 
I,  I  will  uot 

en  the  two, 
and  shall ! 
s  of  a  pul- 
0  you,  and 
uietly  for  a 
ire  nothing 
tion.  You 
3use  being 
lud  tills  ac- 
my  woi'ds, 
vants,  with 

you  make 
le  slightest 
it  the  long- 
lay  nothing 
le  to  be  an- 
aot  try  to 

turning  to 

jaid  Alice, 
dly  pale  at 


«'  It  is  well,"  said  the  earl  with  a  grim  smile.  "  1  trust  you 
will  enforce  the  necessity  of  similar  obedience  on  those  su- 
perstitious fools — you  will  have  ample  time  to  do  so,"  he  ad- 
ded, with  a  sneer.  "  Solitude  and  quiet  will  give  rise  to  re- 
flection, and  doubtless  you  will  all  leave  the  old  Moor  Manor 
much  improved  by  meditation  and  repose." 

"  Your  lordship  is  in  a  facetious  mood  to-night,"  said  Alice, 
a  shght  flush  of  indignation  mantling  her  pale  cheek.  "As 
a  gentleman,  you  should  respect  our  misfortunes,  in  being 
obliged  to  stay  here,  too  much  to  laugh  at  us." 

"  I  bog  your  pardon,  I  did  not  mean  to  offend,"  replied  the 
earl,  bowing  slightly,  while  a  sarcastic  smile  curled  his  lip. 
"  I  regret  solitude  has  not  such  charms  for  you  as  I  imjgined 
it  would  have.  Doubtless  the  society  of  Lord  Arndale " 

"Sir!"  interrupted  Alice,  rising  slowly  to  her  feet,  her 
eyes  flashing  with  indignation. 

"Oh,  have  I  offended  again?"  said  the  earl,  with  mock 
contrition.  "  I  am  unhappily  doomed  to  fall  under  your  dis- 
pleasure to-night,  my  dear  Miss  Desmond." 

"  Sir,"  said  Alice,  haughtily,  "  it  doubtless  affords  you 
much  pleasure  to  mock  me  ;  but  I  can  assure  you,  in  doing 
so,  you  are  acting  neither  the  part  of  a  man  nor  a  gentleman. 
The  unhappy  circumstances  that  have  placed  me  in  your 
power  give  you  no  right  to  insult  an  unprotected  girl.  I  al- 
ways had  a  higher  opinion  of  the  Earl  of  Danemore,  and  I 
am  grieved  now  to  be  obliged  to  change  it." 

It  was  so  strange,  so  unusual,  so  wonderful,  for  shy,  gen- 
tle, timid  Alice  Desmond  to  speak  such  words,  and  in  such  a 

8* 


90 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


tone,  to  anybody,  much  less  to  the  dark,  stern  earl,  that  John 
and  Janie  looked  at  each  other,  completely  astonished. 
Even  the  earl  himself  seemed  slightly  surprised  ;  but  it  was 
only  for  a  moment,  then  the  cold,  sarcastic  smile  came  back  ; 
and  in  the  dry,  mocking  tone,  he  had  used  before,  he  re- 
sumed : 

"  It  grieves  mc  most  deeply  to  stand  imder  Miss  Desmond's 
displeasure  ;  but  since  it  cannot  be  helped,  I  must  be  resigned. 
I  had  no  idea  she  could  make  so  good  a  speech — it  is  excel- 
lent for  an  impromptu  one — a  little  too  theatrical,  but  other- 
wise very  good.  There  was  a  great  actress  lost  in  you.  Miss 
Alice?" 

Alice  resumed  her  seat  without  taking  notice  of  this  taunt- 
ing speech,  and  the  earl,  half  ashamed  of  having  spoken  in 
such  a  tone  to  a  lady,  seated  himself  opposite,  and  gazed  in 
moody  silence  into  the  glowing  coals.  He  had  never  ad- 
dressed Alice  in  such  a  manner  before,  and  probably  would 
not  have  done  so  now,  had  he  not  been  unusually  out  of  tem- 
per. The  visit  of  the  old  woman  annoyed  him,  and  Alice  s 
refusal  to  tell  him  what  she  had  said,  annoyed  him  still  more, 
and  caused  him  to  speak  so  insultingly  to  her ;  bat  now  that 
the  first  paroxysm  of  ill-temper  had  passed  he  began  to  re- 
gret his  words,  which  he  felt  had  lowered  him  forever  in  her 
estimation — for  the  earl  of  Danemore,  notwithstanding  his 
faults,  prided  himself  on  being  always,  and  by  every  one  con- 
sidered, as  a  perfect  gentleman. 

A  profound  silence  now  fell  upon  the  whole  party.  John 
and  Janie  gazed  imeasily,  first  at  one  another,  then  at  the 


"n 


I,  thsit  John 
astonished, 
but  it  was 
?ame  back ; 
'ore,  he  re- 
Desmond's 
je  resigned, 
-it  is  excel- 
but  other- 
1  you,  Miss 

'  this  taunt- 
j  spoken  in 
id  gazed  in 
I  never  ad- 
ably  would 
out  of  tem- 
and  Alice's 
1  still  more, 
it  now  that 
legan  to  re- 
•ever  in  her 
:anding  his 
ry  one  con- 

rty.  John 
then  at  the 


^  ^ 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


91 


earl  and  Miss  Desmond,  and  next  at  the  gloomy  shadows 
that  flitted  too  and  fro  with  tlie  flickering  firelight.  Alice  had 
crouched  in  the  corner,  her  face  covered  with  her  hands,  im- 
movable, save  when  a  slight,  momentary  shudder  convulsed 
her  slender  frame.  The  earl  still  sat  in  moody,  troubled 
thought,  guziug  fixedly  into  the  fire. 

And  thus  the  weary  hours  dragged  on  and  midnight  ap- 
proached. Once  or  twice  during  that  time,  the  low,  agon- 
ized groans  resounded  fearfully  through  the  dismal  silence, 
making  all  start  and  gaze  wildly  around ;  but  then  again  all 
was  still — save  the  loud  howling  of  the  wind — and  the  gloomy 
party  gathered  rountl  the  fire  would  again  relapse  into  quiet. 
But  now,  as  the  terrible  hour,  so  dreaded,  drew  nigh,  all  grew 
restless.  J.anie  cluug  to  John  for  protection,  and  hid  her  face 
in  his  shoulder.  Alice  involuntarily  drew  closer  to  the  fire,  and 
the  carl  himself  seemed  nervous  and  restless.  Not  one  present 
but  wished  from  the  bottom  of  their  hearts, that  it  was  morning. 

Suddenly,  as  if  by  magic,  from  the  intense  gloom  at  the 
further  end  of  the  room,  the  awful  figure  of  the  ghostly  phan- 
tom came  gliding  forth.  Flames  of  fire  seemed  issuing  from 
its  mouth,  and  as  it  noiselessly  glided  by  them,  it  displayed 
to  their  horror-striken  gaze  the  horrible  skull  of  a  skeleton  1 
Without  seeming  to  touch  the  ground,  it  glided  on,  and  with 
a  terrible  groan  vanished  through  the  wall,  which  opened, 
as  if  by  magic,  to  receive  it. 

No  one  moved  or  spoke.  A  dreadful  silence  had  fallen  on 
them  all,  as  they  gazed  in  mute  horror  in  each  other's 
blanched  faces. 


is 


•s 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE  WITCH  OF  THE  MOOU  AT  A  HALL. 

"Down  in  the  valley  como  meet  me  to-night, 
And  I  will  toll  you  your  fortune  truly 

As  ever  was  told,  by  the  new  moon's  light, 
To  a  young  maiden,  shining  as  newly." — Moore, 

A  thousand  lights  are  flashing  in  the  stately  mansion  of 
Dirritole.  Carriage  after  carriage  drives  up  to  the  gate  of 
the  court-yard,  and  their  titled  occupants  pass  out  into  the 
house.  Wealth,  and  beauty,  and  rank,  all  are  mingled  here 
in  gay  confusion  for  the  Countess  of  Dnncmore  gives  a  ball 
to-night  to  honor  the  arrival  of  her  niece,  and  no  one  thinks 
of  refusing  her  invitations.  Every  room  is  glittering,  and 
flashing,  and  radiant  with  light ;  sounds  of  music,  laughter, 
and  merry  voices  ara  all  around ;  fairy  forms,  gorgeously 
clad,  flit  back  and  forth ;  handsome,  stately  titled  peers  and 
peeresses  are  here,  a  gorgeous  array,  glittering  with  jewels, 
moving  through  the  crowded  rooms,  magnificent  in  their 
splendid  array — all  hastening  to  pay  their  respects  to  their 
hostess,  who  stands,  flashing  with  jewels,  and  superb  in  the 
splendor  of  her  wonderous  beauty,  ready  to  receive  them. 
Her  robe  of  purple  velvet,  fit  for  an  empress,  sweeps  the 
carpet  with  its  heavy  folds ;  diamonds  are  flashing  on  her 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


98 


ansion  of 
le  gate  of 
;  into  the 
iglccl  here 
ivea  a  ball 
}nc  thinks 
mag,  and 
laughter, 
forgeously 
peers  and 
th  jewels, 
;  in  their 
ts  to  their 
rb  in  the 
ive  them, 
n-eopa  the 
ig  on  her 


-  f 


snowy  arms  and  bosom.  But  far  more  splendid  than  the 
peerless  jewels  are  the  large,  mystic,  Syrian  eyes,  half  vailed 
by  the  long,  sweeping,  jetty  lashes.  A  cluster  of  pure  wh?te 
lilies  is  nestling  in  her  midnight  locks,  forming  the  most  fit- 
ting ornament  for  those  black,  silky  tressQ^.  She  looks 
colder  and  prouder  to-night  than  when  first  we  saw  her ;  it  is 
as  if  amid  the  crowd  by  which  she  is  surrounded,  she  has 
drawn  farther  and  farther  into  herself — into  that  mysterious 
spirit  land  in  which  she  lives,  and  that  while  present,  the 
loveliest  lady  there,  unheeding  alike  the  admiration  and  envy 
which  she  excites,  her  heart  is  far  away — far  away. 

At  a  little  distance  stands  the  earl,  amid  a  group  of  old 
noblemen,  who,  unheeding  the  gay  scene  around  them,  are 
taking  snuff  and  chatting  away  on  politics,  as  old  gentlemen 
all  over  the  world  do.  Yet,  ever  and  anon,  his  eyes  wan- 
der over  to  where  my  lady  stands,  with  look  of  exultant 
pride,  as  he  notices  the  admiration  she  every  where  excites, 
and  the  many  looks  of  envy  directed  to  himself  by  younger 
and  handsomer  men,  who  would  willingly  part  with  their 
coronet  for  one  smile  from  her  lips. 

Standing  in  another  part  of  the  room,  in  the  midst  of  a 
circle  of  old  friends,  is  Marie  Nelson.  She  looks  a  very 
handsome,  well-preserved  young  widow,  in  her  rich  dress  to- 
night— the  rotige  on  her  cheeks  hiding  the  ravages  time  has 
made  there,  and  giving  unusual  brilliancy  to  a  really  fine  pair 
of  eyes ;  while  the  jet  ornaments  on  her  neck  and  arms  give 
a  degree  of  whiteness  to  her  sallow  skin. 

Mrs.  Nelson  had  been  a  coquette  in  her  younger  days,  and 


^Hh 


— B 


mmmm^ 


94 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


1* 


H 


:l 


is  so  still,  though  years  have  slightly  moderated  her  love  of 
flirting ;  therefore  she  is  not  at  all  insensible  to  the  frequent 
glances  of  admiration  cast  toward  her  by  disconsolate  wid- 
owers and  bachelors,  nor  is  she  deaf  to  the  remark  of  a  dilap- 
idated-looking, scion  of  nobility  who  levels  his  glass  at  her 
and  emphatically  declares  her  to  be  a  "  dused  fine  woman." 
Mrs.  Nelson  tosses  her  head  as  she  hears  it,  until  her  jet 
ornaments  flasn  again,  and  inwardly  wishes  people  didn't 
know  she  had  a  grown-up  daughter,  and  feels  half  inclined  to 
send  Maggie  off  to  her  room— a  project  she  might  find  some 
difficulty  in,  for  that  young  lady  is  flirting  with  most  praise- 
worthy diligence,  with  a  highly-perfumed  young  officer,  a  re- 
nowned lady-killer,  and  most  fascinating  exquisite,  known  as 
Sir  Harry  Dudley,   aid-de-camp  to  lus   grace,   the    Duke 

of . 

Maggie  looks  perfectly  bewitching  in  a  white  silk,  frosted 
with  pearls — the  only  jewels  she  cares  for.  The  bright  curls 
float  gracefully  over  her  shoulders,  only  half  confined  by  the 
bandeau  of  pearls  that  enclasps  them.  Every  motion  is  in- 
stinct with  life,  and  grace,  and  vivacity  ;  sparkling,  enchant- 
ing, fascinating  sue  is,  and  Sir  Harry  finds  her  such  a  con- 
trast to  the  languid  die-away,  the  proud  and  reserved  ladies 
he  is  accustomed  to,  that  it  is  no  wonder  he  is  charmed  with 
her,  as  are  half  a  dozen  other  young  gentleman  who  surround 
her.  Maggie,  on  her  part,  being  by  nature  a  most  finished 
coquette,  plays  her  cards  so  well,  and  bestows  her  smiles, 
and  bows,  and  bewitching  glances  in  so  bewildering  a  manner, 
that  before  they  are  acquainted  with  her  half  an  hour,  they 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


96 


her  love  of 
the  frequent 
isoliito  wid- 
k  of  a  dilap- 
glass  at  her 
le  woman." 
until  hor  jet 
5oplc  didn't 
f  inclined  to 
t  lind  some 
nost  praise- 
afflccr,  a  re- 
:e,  known  as 
the    Duke 

iilk,  frosted 
bright  curls 
ined  by  the 
otion  is  in- 
ig,  enchant- 
such  a  con- 
rved  ladies 
armed  with 
10  surround 
)st  finished 
her  smiles, 
r  a  manner, 
hour,  they 


are  ready  to  blow  out  each  other's  brains  for  the  "beautiful 
little  American." 

"  And  what  sort  of  a  place  is  America,  Miss  Nelson  ?"  in- 
quired Sir  Harry.  "  I  have  never  had  the  pleasure  of  visit- 
ing it  yet,  and  feel  quite  curious  to  know." 

"  Oh  !  a  most  charming  place,"  said  ]Maggie,  "  where  ne- 
groes grow  wild  out  of  tlie  ground,  like  hop-vines — where  the 
inhabitants  live  on  liberty  and  hasty-pudding — where  the 
babies,  l)eforc  they  are  a  week  old,  call  for  a  jack-knife,  and 
make  improvements  in  their  cradle — where  they  are  stupid 
enough  to  think  that  every  honest  man,  even  if  a  beggar,  is 
as  good  as  a  lord — where " 

'•Oh,  Miss  Nelson,  I  had  no  idea  you  were  such  a  quiz," 
said  the  officer,  with  a  look  which  he  intended  to  be  very 
killing. 

"  Quiz,"  repeated  Maggie,  opening  her  eyes,  "  'pon  my 
word,  I  am  not ;  it  is  the  downright  truth.  Why,  they  actu- 
ally keep  a  queer  sort  of  an  animai,  called  a  President,  in  a 
place  they  call  the  White  House,  and  would  you  believe  it, 
they  were  actually  foolish  enough  to  prefer  this  president  to 
his  blessed  majesty,  the  King  of  England.  And  when  his 
aforesaid  sacred  majesty  sent  a  body  of  enlightened  and  ten- 
der-hearted English  soldiers,  who  never  killed,  nor  robbed, 
nor  pillaged,  nor  ravaged,  except  when  tliey  had  a  chance,  to 
instruct  the  rebel  Yankees,  and  teach  them  their  duty,  these 
wicked  and  cowardly  Yankees  actually  coaxed  these  brave 
and  virtuous  Englishmen  to  leave  them  to  their  fate  of  being 
freemen.    These  Americans,  of  course,  say  they  drove  the 


96 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


British  from  their  country;  but  we  know  better,  don't  we  ? 
The  tcnder-hoartca  einmissarios  of  the  king  did  not  wish  to 
kill  those  poor  ragnmufrns,  and  so  left  them  in  contemtuous 
pity.     That's  my  belief,  anyway." 

Maggie's  face  wore  a' look  of  solemn  gravity,  but  there  was 
a  merry  twinkle  in  her  eyes  that  contradicted  her  words.  Sir 
Harry  looked  at  her,  rather  puzzled  to  know  whether  she  were 
serious,  or  laughing  at  him. 

»« That  is  certainly  a  new  version  of  the  story,"  he  re- 
marked, after  a  pause.     "  So  you  like  England,  do  you? " 

"  Oh,  immensely,  replied  Maggie,  to  the  infinite  amuse- 
ment of  Charley  Sidney,  who  stood  listening  behind  her, 
"  especially  your  fogs,  which  I  consider  perfectly  delightful. 
It  is  so  exceedingly  charming  and  novel  to  me,  who  have  al- 
ways been  accustomed  to  a  cloudless  sky  and  extensive  pros- 
pect, to  look  out  and  see  nothing  but  a  thick  bank  of  fog, 
like  the  romantic  vapor  of  a  washtub— a  delightful  article 
which  they  use  in  America,  but  which,  I  suppose,  they  have 
never  seen  here.  And  then  your  houses :  I,  you  know,  have 
never  lived  in  any  but  wide,  new  airy  mansions ;  so  I  am 
perfectly  entranced  with  the  great,  big,  rickety,  crumbling, 
tumble-down  castles  they  have  here,  which  are  always  associ- 
ated in  my  mind  with  the  ages  of  chivalry  and  with  rat-traps. 
Your  stage-coaches,  too,  deserve  a  wort  of  praise.  You  see, 
in  America,  we  have  a  sort  of  chain-lightning  article,  they 
call  rail-cars,  which  whirl  people  off  at  the  rate  of  fifty  miles 
per  minute,  so  different  from  your  fascinating  stage-coaches, 
which  pitch  you  up  in  the  air  one  minute,  making  you  feel 


.■1 


,  don't  we  ? 
lot  wish  to 
•Qtemtuous 

it  there  was 
flTords.  Sir 
cr  she  were 

ry,"  he  re- 
o  you  ? " 
lite  amuse« 
sehind  her, 
delightful, 
ho  have  al- 
insiv'e  pros- 
Qk  of  fog, 
itful  article 
they  have 
know,  have 
3 ;  BO  I  am 
crumbling, 
fays  associ- 
h  rat-traps. 
I.  You  see, 
irticle,  they 
'  fifty  miles 
ge-coaches, 
ag  you  feel 


timmtmm 


.r,^ 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Q1 


like  the  doctor's  bottle,  which  when  '  taken,'  was  to  lie  '  well 
sh.ikcn,'  and  jerking  you  down  the  next,  giving  you  the  do- 
ligiitfiil  idea  that  tlio  coach  is  going  to  tip  over,  and  make 
you  break  your  neck  in  tiie  ditdi ;  and  so  you  arc  jolted  to 
tlie  end  of  your  journey,  going  about  a  mile  every  hour.  Oh  I 
^^ngliind.  idtogetiier,  is  .i  jiaradise  on  earfl'.." 

A  suppressed  burst  of  luugliter  followed  the  conclusion  of 
Maggie's  si)eecli,  and  Sir  Hurry  looked,  to  use  Charles  Sid- 
ney's phrase,  "  infernally  sheei)ish."  The  fact  was,  that  the 
young  baronet  was  still  in  doubt  v  !iethcr  Maggie  was  quiz- 
zing him  or  not.  (^uiz  him  !  the  thought  was  presumptuous. 
A  little  saucy  Yankee,  whose  waist  ho  could  span  with  one 
hand,  quiz  him,  the  handsomest  fellow  in  the  service,  about 
whom  dozens  of  ladies  were  breaking  their  hearts — quiz  him  I 
Nonsense,  the  girl  must  be  serious. 

"  I  say,  Charley,  who  is  she?  "  said  a  tall,  dark,  handsome, 
distinguished -looking  young  man,  turning  to  Mr.  Sidney. 

"Hallo,  Arndale,  by  all  that's  glorious!"  exclaimed 
Charley.     "  AYhen  did  you  arive  ?  " 

"About  an  hour  ago,  in  most  deplorable  ignorance  that 
my  lady  Danemore  was  giving  a  ball.     But  that's  not  an- 
swering my  question.     Who  is  that  quizaical  little  lady  ?  " 
"  Have  you  seen  any  of  the  family  since  you  arrived?" 
"  No  ;  but  why  don't  you  answer  my  question  ?  " 
"  Then  you  have  not  heard  anything  particular  lately?" 
"  No,  confound  you,  can't  you  tell  me  what  she  is,  and  stop 
asking  impertinent  questions  ?  " 

"  Oh,  she's  a  cousin  of  yours — one  Miss  Maggie  Nelson,  at 

9 


98 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


your  scn-lpo,  m\(\  ii  Hilvcry  voice  iit  his  car ;  «'  a  sort  of  half- 
civilizrd  Yanlvoo  tlu-y  liavp  lironght  you  to  tamo." 

Lord  Arntliilo  turned  iiii.stily,  and  saw  standing  before  him, 
her  Itrifilit  face  radiant  witli  Hniilcs,  the  same  young  lady  wiio 
had  so  unmercifully  quizzed  tlic  aid-dc-conip  a  few  momcuto 
before. 

IJoing  taken  altogether  l)y  surprise  at  her  answer,  and  not 
quite  comprclicndiiig  licr  jncaning,  Ariidalo  stood  regarding 
her  witli  a  half-puzzled  look,  which  put  Maggie  completely 
out  of  patience. 

•'  Cliarley  Sidney,  do  introduce  us  !  "  she  exclaimed,  turn- 
ing impatiently  to  that  young  gentleman.  "  Don't  you  see 
how  stupid  he  looks,  standing  tliere?  I  suppose  he  doesn't 
understand  my  JCnglish." 

•'  Certainly,  Ml  introduce  you  with  pleasure,"  said  Charley, 
gravely.  "  Miss  Nelson,  allow  me  to  present  to  your  favor- 
able notice  this  dignified  young  gentleman,  who  happens  to 
be  a  cousin  of  yours,  and  who,  furthermore,  rejoices  in  the 
title  of  Lord  Arndale.  A  very  deserving  youn  •'ent,  and 
not  half  so  sulky  as  he  looks — for  which  latter  u.essing  he 
may  thank  me,  as  I  have  had  him  under  training  for  the  last 
two  or  three  years,  without  receiving  the  slightest  remunera- 
tion in  return.  '  Virtue  is  its  own  reward,'  I  suppose  ;  and 
it  is  likely  to  be  all  the  reward  III  ever  get  in  this  world," 
said  Charley,  concluding  with  a  deep  sign. 

"  Confound  your  impudence  !  "  said  Lord  Amdale,with  dif- 
ficulty repressing  a  laugh.  ' '  But  is  it  possible  that  this  young 
lady  is  my  American  cousin,  of  whom  I  have  often  heard?  " 


1 


It'. 


ft 


MMHM 


"a  sort  of  half, 
nmp." 

iding  before  him, 
B  young  lady  who 
)  a  few  momenta 

answer,  and  not 

stood  regarding 

aggie  completely 

exclaimed,  turn- 

"  Don't  you  see 

pposc  he  doesn't 

J,"  said  Charley, 
it  to  your  favor- 
who  happens  to 
!,  rejoices  in  the 
youn  "-ent,  and 
latter  u^cssing  he 
ning  for  the  last 
ghtest  remunera- 
'  I  suppose  ;  and 
t  in  this  world," 

^mdale,with  dif- 
le  that  this  young 
soften  heard?" 


1 


THE  SECRET  BORROW. 


99 


*.^ 


«' Waal,  she  is,"  replied  Maggie,  witli  tiie  usual  twang  of 
"down  East,"  and  dropping,  as  she  spoke,  a  little  awkward 
courtesy.     ••How  d'ye  dcu." 

"  Tolerable  well,  I  tliank  you,"  replied  Lord  yVrndalc,  with 
ft  smile,  "  and  delighted  to  see  my  elmruiing  litilo  cousin." 
and  ho  raised  her  liund  gallantly  to  his  lipw. 

"  Humph,  I'm  glad  to  hear  it,"  said  Maggie.  "  I  thought 
that  time  you  weren't  going  to  own  mo  at  all.  I  think  you'io 
all  the  (pieerest  set,  all  you  Knglisli  gents— Sir  This,  and  Lord 
That,  and  Duke  of  'Tother  Thing.  Are  your  oflleers  all  as 
green  as  that  one  I  was  talking  to  in  the  splendid  uin- 
form?" 

"  Poor  Sir  Harry  !"  said  Lord  Arndale  ;  "  how  could  you 
be  so  cruel  as  to  quiz  him  so?" 

"Just  for  fun,"  said  Maggie,  with  an  expressive  shrug. 
"  But  look— see,  they're  all  crowding  over  here  ;  let  us  go 
and  see  what  is  the  matter." 

At  this  moment  Kate  Sidney  hurriedly  approached,  look- 
ing vexed  and  rather  excited.  As  she  eauglit  sight  of  Lord 
Arndale,  she  hastily  approached,  and  said  : 

"  Oh,  Harry,  I  am  so  glad  I  have  found  you !  I  wish  you 
would  go  and  make  that  strange  old  woman  leave  the  room. 
She  says  she  wants  to  tell  fortunes,  but  uncle  will  be  so  an- 
gry. Do  try  and  make  her  go ;  there's  no  use  in  asking 
Charley  because  he  would  want  uotJung  better  than  muking 
her  stay." 

"  Who  is  she  ?"  said  Lord  Arndale,  rather  surprised. 

"  I  am  sure  I  don't  know.     I  think  I  heaid  some  one  say 


!i 


^- 


100 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


I 


she  was  an  old  fortune-teller,  called  the  "Witch  of  the  Moor ; 
but  do  ti-y  and  get  her  out.  I  will  take  charge  of  Maggie  till 
you  come  back." 

"Indeed,  then  you  won't  do  any  such  thing,  Cousin 
Kate,"  said  Maggie,  decidedly.  "  I'm  just  going  to  have  my 
fortune  told,  too.  Sec  if  I  don't !  Come  on.  Cousin  Harry." 
And  Miss  Nelson,  pushed  her  arm  unceremoniously  through 
his,  and  hurried  onward  to  where  a  crowd  had  gathered 
around  the  old  woman. 

Lord  Arndale  and  IMaggie  stood  for  a  moment,  silently 
contemplating  the  scene  before  them.  Standing  in  the  midst, 
with  one  skinny  arm  raised  like  an  inspired  prophetess,  her 
hood  pushed  back,  exposing  her  brown  skinny  face,  with  its 
piercing,  glittering  black  eyes,  was  the  witch.  Standing  by 
her  side,  quietly  regarding  the  dazzling  scene  aromid  was,  the 
little  girl,  Magdalen — her  wondrous  beauty  striking  all  the 
spectators  with  astonishment.  The  huge,  fierce  blood-hound, 
Death,  crouched  behind  her — glaring  around  with  his  red, 
fiendish  eyes,  as  though  only  awaiting  the  signal  to  spring. 

" Oh,  cousin,  don't  send  her  away,"  whispered  Maggie; 
"  I  want  to  get  my  fortune  told." 

Had  Lord  Arndale  been  inclined  to  refuse,  he  still  could 
not  have  done  so,  for  the  old  fortune-teller  was  now  encir- 
cled by  a  bevy  of  laughing  f ac(  s  all  anxious  to  have  their  fort- 
unes told.  There  was  an  evil  sneer  on  the  old  hag's  face,  as 
o'e  by  one  she  foretold  a  "  long  life,  a  lovely  wife,"  or  hus- 
band, as  the  case  might  be. 

"Oh,  Lord  Arndale,"  exclaimed  Maggie,  suddenly,  "t«t7i 


f 


ch  of  the  Moor ; 
■gc  of  Maggie  till 

[i  thing,  Cousin 
joing  to  have  my 
,  Cousin  Harry." 
jniously  through 
d  had  gathered 

noment,  silently 
ling  in  the  midst, 
.  prophetess,  her 
ny  face,  with  its 
h.  Standing  by 
;  aromid  was,  the 
striking  all  the 
roc  blood-hound, 
id  with  his  red, 
gnal  to  spring, 
ispered  Maggie; 

e,  he  stUl  could 
was  now  encir- 
o  have  their  fort- 
ild  hag's  face,  as 
ly  wife,"  or  hus- 

suddenly,  "twH 


Jl 


THE  SECRET  SORROW, 
you  look  at  the  beautiful  little  girl  ?    Oh  '  di^  v.n 
yo.-  life  see  anything  half  so  ifandaome '"        '  "  ""  "  ^' 

Lord  Arndalc  followed  the  direction  of  her  finder  and 
his  eye  fell  upon  the  face  of  the  child    ,/    r         '    ^  ^^ 
motionless,  he  crave  a  sudden  ,f.  "°  '''''  ^'^'^ 

had  seen  some;n:^:r::r^f"r"""^ 

-ember,  but  in  vain  ;  yet  the  more  h     l;  ^  t^'^: 
was  startled  by  the  resemblance  '  ^"  ""'''  ^' 

This  last  was  whispered  in  Kate's  ear    nf  f  i, 
she  re,™o.».,„  .^ecd  be.  to  gi      herT:     LT°  7™°' 
woman.  ""  *°  ^he  strange 

Tie  old  wean  .„ot  i,  „d  g..ed  ,o„g  .„c  e.^..^, 

9* 


it 


102  THE  SECRET  SORROW. 

down  in  the  palm,  then,  looking  up,  said,  in  an  impressive 
voice : 

"  I  see  here  danger,  and  sorrow,  and  shame,  and  disgrace, 
and,  it  may  be,  death.  There  is  danger  to  yourself  neai 
hand,  sorrow  for  some  one  near  you  at  present,  shame  for 
one,  the  proudest  here  to-night,  and  disgrace  to  the  house  of 
Dancmore,  and  death  either  to  you  or  for  some  near  relation. 
All  is  dark  and  ominous  here." 

She  Cung  Kate's  hand  -.iolently  from  her,  as  she  spoke,  un- 
heeding the  scornful  smile  with  which  that  young  lady  heard 
the  dark  fate  in  store  for  her.  As  she  stepped  back,  a  voice  fell 
on  their  ears  that  made  every  one  start,it  was  so  deep  and  stern. 
"  What  is  the  matter  here?"  cried  the  earl.  "  Who  is  this 
old  hag?"  ♦ 

Before  any  one  could  reply,  the  old  woman  pushed  them 
aside,  and  stood  boldly  confronting  tn.i  nobleman,  her  black 
eyes  gleaming  with  a  sinister  light. 

"  Who  are  you,  old  woman,  and  what  do  you  want  here?" 
said  the  earl,  harshly. 

"  Who  am  I?  I  am  Mother  Wail,  the  Witch  f  the  Moor. 
What  do  I  want  here?  I  came  here  because  it  was  my 
pleasure  to  do  so,  and  when  it  is  my  pleasure  to  leave  I  will 
do  so,  and  not  till  then." 

"Insolent"?'  exclaimed  the  earl,  growitg  crimson  with 
passion,  "  my  servants  shall  force  you  out.  Here,  John, 
Peter,  William,  force  this  old  hag  out." 

"  Let  them  do  it  if  they  dare !"  said  Mother  Wail,  coolly. 
*•  Fear,  Death!" 


i 


;\'r- 


r"'*^ Turwa  r-i-      -Mill 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


103 


1  an  impressive 

>,  and  disgrace, 
)  yourself  neai 
sent,  shame  for 
to  the  house  of 
le  near  relation. 

.s  she  spoke,  un- 
lung  lady  heard 
back,  a  voice  fell 
)  deep  and  stern. 
.     "Who  is  this 

in  pushed  them 
eman,  her  black 

'ou  want  here?" 

tch  f  the  Moor, 
ausc  it  was  my 
•  to  leave  I  will 

g  crimson  with 
\.     Here,  John, 

ler  Wail,  coolly. 


With  a  low,  deep,  hoarse  growl,  the  fierce  blood-hound 
sprang  to  her  side. 

"  Why  don't  you  put  me  out?"  said  the  old  woman,  with 
an  exultant  laugh  at  the  ominous  sileuoe  that  followed  the 
display  of  the  dog's  teeth.  I  dou't  know  anvthiag  about  you, 
do  I?" 

Something  in  her  tone  made  the  earl  think  of  the  old  Moor 
Manor,  and  he  grew  deadly  pale.  The  old  woman  noticed  it, 
and  turning  to  the  wondering  spectators,  she  said,  with  a 
triumphant  chuckle : 

"  You  see,  my  fine  ladies  and  lords,  he  won't  put  me  out 
after  all.  Oh,  what  it  is  to  know  the  secrets  of  great  folks. 
Stand  aside,  my  lord,  I  see  j'our  fair  countess  over  there,  and 
lam  anxious  to  pay  her  my  respects." 

Before  any  one  could  interpose  to  prevent  her,  she  had 
passed  through  the  crowd,  and  stood  before  Lady  Danemore. 
The  large  eyes  were  opened  in  the  old  languid  manner  at 
first,  and  fixed  upon  her,  and  then  upon  the  child,  while  every 
drop  of  blood  left  her  face,  and  she  was  forced  to  gasp  for 
breath.  Mother  Wail  approached,  and  whispered  a  word  in 
her  ear ;  the  nest  moment  all  present  were  startled  by  a  loud 
wild,  piercing  cry  of  almost  mortal  agony,  as  the  countess  fell 
prone,  senseless  to  the  ground. 

AH  present  rushed  forward  to  raise  her,  and  taking  advan- 
tage of  the  confusion.  Mother  WaU  seized  Magdalen,  and 
tanisbed  in  the  crowd. 


?  •'■+ 


i   t. 


r 


t! 


1 

! 

It 


^1i 


104 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


CHAPTER  X. 

THI   COUXTESS   GOES   A  -  VISITING. 

"  Aids  !  earth's  t'cs  are  with  lier,  like  the  wave 

That  brifjhtly  clasps  the  shore, 
Then  breaks  and  seeks  its  grave!" — Upham. 

On  a  couch  iu  her  elcgautly-furnished  chamber,  looking 
paler  than  usual,  but  otherwise  just  the  same,  lay  lady  Dane- 
more.  Half-buried,  as  usual,  amid  a  pile  of  soft  cushions, 
with  the  long  lashes  resting  heavily  upon  the  oval  cheeks, 
she  wandering  again  in  the  land  of  thought. 

Of  what  was  she  thinking  ?  Kate  Sidney  asked  herself  the 
question,  as,  from  her  seat  by  the  window,  she  sat  silently 
regarding  her.  Was  it  of  her  childhood  ?  Of  days  past  and 
gone  forever,  or  of  the  sorrows  or  joys  of  the  past?  No 
one  might  tell — those  vailed  eyes  spoke  not. 

It  was  the  afternoon  following  the  night  of  the  ball.  Long 
and  deadly  was  my  lady's  swoon  ;  and  for  hours  after  her 
return  to  consciousness,  she  had  lain  in  a  sort  of  stupor,  like 
one  awakening  from  some  dreadful  trance.  An  unusual  silence 
reigned  through  Dirritole  ;  the  servants  glided  about  on  tip- 
toe, like  ghosts  ;  for,  besides  Lady  Danemore's  illness,  Mrs. 
Nelson  also  lay  an  invalid  in  her  own  chamber.  Naturally 
very  nervous,  the  wild  shriek  of  the  countess,  and  the  cry 
that  followed,  "  She  is  dead — she  is  dead  !"  startled  her  so, 


it  I'M. 


wave 


m. 


imber,  looking 
lay  lady  Dane- 
soft  cushions, 

e  oval  cheeks, 

iked  herself  the 
lie  sat  silently 
C  days  past  and 
the  past?    No 

the  ball.  Long 
icurs  after  her 
i  of  stupor,  like 
unusual  silence 
i  about  on  tip- 
i's  illness,  Mrs. 
ler.  Naturally 
IS,  and  the  cry 
startled  her  so, 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  j^g 

that  she  feU  into  violent  hysterics,  and  had  to  be  carried  to 
her  room,  where,  since  then,  she  had  obliged  black  Venus 
and  her  daughter  to  remain,  licr  close  atteutlants,  while  Kato 
took  her  place  as  the  countess'  nurse. 

The  rest  of  the  family  had  dispersed  in  various  du-ections. 
The  earl,  after  watching  by  his  lady's  bedside  during  the 
mght,  on  finding  her  free  from  danger  in  the  morning,  had 
mounted  his  horse  and  rode  off.  Lord  Arndale,  to  his  sur- 
prise and  consternation,  on  learning  from  Charley,  for  the 
first  time,  of  the  disappearance  of  Alice  Desmond,  immedi- 
ately rode  over  to  the  Pines,  and  had  not  returned;  and 
Charley  himself  was  disconsolately  left  to  his  own  resources 
all  alone,  ' 

There  was  profound  sUence  in  the  chamber;    suddenly, 
Lady  Danemore  spoke. 

"What  time  is  it?" 

"  Half-past  three,"  answered  Kate,  glancing  at  her  watch. 

There  was  another  long  interval  of  sUence,  which  was 
again  broken  by  the  countess  : 

"  Send  Bess  L'Olise  to  me !" 

Kate  gave  a  little  stare  of  astonishment,  and  rang  for  a 
servant,  to  whom  she  delivered  the  order. .  It  was  an  unusual 
thing  for  Lady  Danemore  to  request  to  see  any  one  ;  but  Bess 
was  a  favorite  with  her-at  least  as  much  of  a  favorite  as 
one  of  such  a  reserved  disposition  could  possibly  have. 

Many  wondered  what  was  the  reason  of  this;  perhaps  it 
was  because  Bess  was  her  country-woman-for  it  was  gener- 
ally  surmised  that  the  countess  was  French-perhaps  it 


ft. 


f 


t  II 


S' 


:« 


P 


rs. 


% 


'^'iWMjiiLwm 


106 


THE  SECRET  SOEROW. 


wa8  because  she  knew  how  firm  and  faithful  Bess  could  be  if 
she  chose,  in  any  matter  of  import ;  perhaps  it  was  because 
she  knew  how  much  attached  to  her  mademoiselle  was.  But 
from  whatever  cause  it  was,  Bess  was  regarded  in  the  envious 
light  of  a  favorite  of  Lady  Danemore. 

On  the  present  occasion,  Kate's  message  found  the  young 
lady  sitting  at  the  window  of  the  Lodge,  embroidering  a  col- 
lar, and  humming  a  French  song,  looking  excessively  neat 
and  pretty,  as  she  always  did.  A  French  girl  makes  a  hand- 
some face  and  fine  figure  out  of  very  poor  material ;  and  with 
only  the  advantage  of  a  clear,  brown  skin,  plump,  red  cheeks, 
and  a  pair  of  bright,  black  eyes,  Bess  L'Olise  passed  for  a 
very  handsome  girl ;  while  an  English  girl,  with  far  greater 
personal  attractions,  would  have  been  called  decidedly  plain. 
Where  the  secret  lies,  we  know  not — only  it  is  so  ;  perhaps 
it  is  the  taste  in  dress  of  the  former  that  makes  the  difference. 

Bess  was  fond  of  rich,  dark  colors — they  harmonized  well 
with  her  brown  complexion.  She  now  wore,  jauntily,  on  her 
head,  turban  fashion,  a  silk  handkerchief,  consisting  of  alter- 
nate stripes  of  scailet  and  black,  which  set  off  wonderfully 
the  smooth,  shining,  black  hair  beneath.  Her  dress  was  a 
crimson  merino ;  and  with  her  long,  dangling,  gold  ear- 
drops, her  pretty  collar  and  cuffs,  and  her  dark,  rich  turban, 
she  looked  as  pretty  a  little  Creole  as  one  could  wish  to  see. 

So  Charley  Sidney  seemed  to  think,  as  Bess  entered  the 
hall,  where  he  lay  lazily  extended  on  a  couch  in  the  sun, 
smoking  a  cigar,  and  watching  with  tropical  indolence,  the 
curling  smoke,  as  it  slowly  wreathed  upward. 


r 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Bess  could  be  if 
I  ii,  was  because 
Isclle  was.  But 
[1  ia  the  envious 

'ound  the  young 
)roidering  a  col- 
!xccssivcly  neat 
1  makes  a  hand- 
tciial ;  and  with 
,mp,  red  cheeks, 
se  passed  for  a 
tvith  far  greater 
decidedly  plain, 
is  so ;  perhaps 
!s  the  difference, 
liarmonized  well 
jauntily,  on  her 
isisting  of  alter- 
off  wonderfully 
ler  dress  was  a 
;ling,  gold  ear- 
irk,  rich  turban. 
Id  wish  to  see. 
ess  entered  the 
ich  in  the  sun, 
I  indolence,  the 


107 


«'  Why,  my  dear,  where  have  you  been  this  ago  ?  I  haven't 
seen  you  I  don't  know  when!"  said  Charley  accosting 
her. 

"You  don't  care  where,  I  guess,  IMonsicur  Charles!"  re- 
plic^l  Bess,  with  a  bow  and  a  smile,  raising  her  hand  to  her 
turlun,  military  fashion,  in  a  manner  peculiarly  graceful ; 
you  have  been  so  occupied  with  Ma'nisellc  VAmericaine 
since  her  arrival,  that  you  have  quite  forgotten  all  your  old 
friends!" 

"  Now,  Bess,  that's  positively  too  bad  !"  said  Charley,  tak- 
ing his  cigar  in  his  finger  and  thumb.  "  She  was  a  stranger, 
you  know,  and  I  had  to  patronize  her  a  little  ;  but  I  hadn't 
the  least  idea  of  forgetting  you.  On  my  honor,  you  look 
prettier  than  ever ;  that  head-drc5<s  is  vastly  becoming ;  it's 
positively  captivating.  I  think  I'l.  get  one  of  them  myself— 
how  do  you  think  I  would  look  in  it?" 

"Oh,  bewitching!"  said  Bess,  laughing,  and  tossing  her 
head  until  the  gold  drops  flashed  and  glittered  in  the  sunlight. 
"Miss  Marguerite  could  never  resist  you  wi<^^h  one,  I  am 
sure!" 

"  Pooh  !  never  mind  her  I"  said  Charley ;  "  if  it  captivates 
you,  it  is  all  I  want.  "Where  are  you  going  now? — don't  be 
in  a  hurry — stay  here  with  me," 

"  Stay  with  you,  indeed !"  said  Bess,  saucily  ;  "  don't  you 
remember  how  impertinent  you  were  the  last  time  you  got  me 
to  stay  with  you?    Besides,  I  can't— I  am  in  a  hurry." 

"Where  arc  you  going?" 

*'  To  my  lady — she  sent  for  mo.' 


•■     ! 


108 


THE  SECRET  SORROW, 


"  Her  ladyship?  What  does  she  want  with  you9"  ejaculated 
Charley,  in  surprise. 

«'  Bon  del!  as  if  I  knew !  Let  me  go,  Monsieur  Charles ! 
You  must  send  for  Mademoiselle  I'Americaine,  if  you  want 
some  one  to  talk  to  !"  said  Bess,  with  another  coquettish  tosa 
of  her  turbaued  head,  that  made  the  gold  drops  flash  and 
glitter  again. 

"Upon  my  honor.  Miss  Bess,"  began  Charley:  but,  with- 
out  waiting  to  hear  him,  she  darted  past  him  and  ran  up 
stairs,  laughing  and  singing  the  words  of  the  old  ballad* 

"  It  is  good  to  be  valiant  and  wise, 

It  is  good  to  bo  loyal  and  true ; 
It  is  good  to  bo  off  with  the  old  lovo 

Before  you  are  on  with  the  new." 

And  kissing  her  hand  to  him  as  she  reached  the  head  of  the 
stairs,  with  an  arch  smile,  she  vanished. 

In  answer  to  her  low  rap,  Kate  opened  the  chamber  door, 
and  pointing  silently  to  where  Lady  Danemore  lay,  she  took 
her  departure. 

Bess  glided  noiselessly  to  where  she  lay,  and  sinking  on 
her  knees,  raised  her  hand  respectfully  to  her  lips.  This 
touching  act,  slight  as  it  was,  seemed  to  awaken  a  host  of 
long-buried  memories  in  the  breast  of  the  countess.  She 
raised  the  drooping  eyelids,  and  fixing  her  large,  dark  eyes 
earnestly  on  Bess's  face,  said : 

"  Do  you  know  why  I  have  sent  for  you?" 

"No,  madame." 

"Have  you  no  idea?" 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


109 


ou9"  ejaculated 

msieur  Charles ! 

ne,  if  you  want 

coquettish  tosa 

Irops  flash  and 

rley :  but,  with- 
in and  ran  up 
old  ballad  t 


the  head  of  the 

chamber  door, 
re  lay,  she  took 

ind  sinking  on 
ler  lips.  This 
ikeu  a  host  of 
!Ountess.  She 
rge,  dark  eyes 


"Not  the  slightest,  madnmc." 

There  was  n  long  pause  after  tliis,  dining  which  the  countess 
remained  steadily  regarding  Boss,  as  if  striving  to  guess  liow 
far  she  might  confide  in  her.  The  frank,  open  face  of  the 
little  French  girl  seemed  to  ^  veher  confideuce,  and  she  slow- 
ly inquired : 

"  Have  you  heard  what  happened  hero  last  night?" 

"Doesmadarae  mean  her  sudden  illness?  Yes— I  have 
heard  of  that." 

"  Have  you  heard  anything  else?" 

"  Except  that  the  frightful  old  Witch  of  the  Moor  was  here 
— nothing. 

"  How  do  people  account  for  my  sudden  illness?"  inquired 
Lady  Danemore,  speaking  with  an  effort. 

Bess  lifted  her  eyes  with  a  look  of  innocent  astonishment. 

"Why,  to  the  fright,  to  be  sure!  They  say  the  sudden 
appearance  of  that  dreadful  old  woman  frightened  you  into 
a  fit.     She  scared  Mrs.  Nelson  into  hysterics,  too." 

Lady  Danemore  drew  a  long  breath,  as  though  a  weight 
had  suddenly  been  lifted  off  her  mind.  Then,  fixing  her 
beautiful  eyes  full  on  the  face  of  the  young  girl,  she  said : 

"  Child,  do  you  know  why  I  have  sent  for  you  to  tell  me 
this,  in  preference  to  any  of  the  family?," 

"No,  madame." 

"Nor  do  I;  and  yet  I  have  done  so.  I  would  I  knew 
whether  I  might  trust  you  or  not?  " 

The  last  words  were  spoken  more  to  herself  than  to  Bess ; 
but  the  young  girl  answered  quickly : 

10 


no 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


»    I 


••  I  love  madamo  too  much  to  betray  anything  she  may  tell 
mc.     Rcss  L'Olisc  can  he  faithful  to  those  who  trust  licr." 

The  accent  of  wounded  pride  in  which  she  spoke  struck 
Lady  Danemore ;  arid,  laying  her  hand  caressingly  on  her 
head,  she  said,  softly: 

"  Child,  I  meant  not  to  offend  you.  I  spoke  before  I 
thought ;  but  there  are  so  few  in  this  world  we  can  trust 
to." 

There  was  a  sudden  bitterness  in  her  tone  that  moved 
Bess,  and  she  silently  kissed  the  hand  that  lay  passively  in 
hers. 

"  Bess,"  asked  the  countess,  suddenly,  "  will  you  swear  on 
this,  never  to  reveal  what  I  may  disclose  to  you  to-night?" 
said  the  countess,  drawing  from  her  bosom  a  small  ebony 
cross,  and  presenting  it  to  Bess. 

"  Madame,  forgive  me  ;  but  I  cannot  bind  myself  blindly 
by  oaths  !"  said  Bess,  drawing  back. 

Child,  child,  I  will  ask  you  to  do  nothing  wrong ;  there 
will  not  be  the  least  shadow  of  evil  in  what  you  will  have  to 
do,"  said  the  lady,  earnestly.  "  AU  I  wish  is,  yoiu-  solemn 
promise  of  secrecy." 

"  There  is  no  crime  in  what  you  wish  me  to  do?"  inquired 
Bess,  hesitatingly. 

"  None,  I  solemnly  assure  you." 

"And  what  do  you  wish,  madame?" 

"  To  swear  eternal  secrecy  of  all  you  may  hear  or  see— of 
all  I  may  require,"  said  her  ladyship,  solemnly.  "  Can  you 
not  trust  my  word  when  I  assure  you  it  is  not  wrong?" 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


ing  she  may  tell 
30  trust  licr." 
10  spoke  struck 
jssiugly  on  her 

spoke  before  I 
1(1  we  can  trust 

)ne  that  moved 
ay  passively  in 

ill  you  swear  on 
you  to-night?" 
a  small  ebony 

myself  blindly 

?  wrong ;  there 
3U  will  have  to 
is,  your  solemn 

do?"  inquired 


lear  or  see — of 
h  "  Can  you 
wrong?" 


Ill 

"  I  Bwear,"  eaid 


«*  Pardon,  my  lu'ly,  for  doubting  you. 
Bess,  kissing  tlio  cc-'s. 

"Thank  you,"  said  the  countess,  a  grateful  smile  giving  in- 
expressible sweetness  to  her  beautiful  face.  "  i'ou  shall 
never  repent  your  promise  1 " 

Bess  bowed  in  silence,  and  stood  eagerly  awaiting  what  was 
to  come  next. 

*'  Do  you  know  where  this  old  woman,  this  witch,  resides?" 
asked  Lady  Dancmore,  after  a  long  pause. 

"  Yes,  raadamo ;  in  a  little  lonely  hut  on  the  moor." 

"Have  you  ever  been  there?"  contiuucd  her  ladyship. 

Bess  crimsoned  perceptibly  through  her  brown  skin, 

"  Once  only,  my  lady,"  she  replied,  hesitatingly.  "  I  was 
silly  enough  to  go  have  my  fortune  told." 

"  Who  is  that  child,  Madge— I  mean,  who  is  that  little  girl 
who  accompanied  her  here  last  night?"  inquired  my  lady, 
speaking  as  though  the  words  hurt  her. 

"I  do  not  know,  niadame,"  replied  Bess.  "  Some  say  she 
is  her  grandchild  ;  others  that  she  is  some  stolen  child  ;  others 
that  the  little  girl's  parents  pay  her  for  keeping  her.  But, 
ma  foi,  nobody  knows." 

A  shudder,  so  evident  that  it  made  the  little  Parisian  start, 
convulsed  the  frame  of  my  lady.  Besg  regarded  her  in  utter 
bewilderment. 

"  Does  she  treat  the  child  kindly?"  she  inquired,  after  an- 
other long  pause,  in  a  voice  that  faltered  in  spite  of  herself. 

"  I  am  sure  /do  not  know,"  replied  Bess,  opening  her  eyes 
in  bewilderment'    "  She  accompanies  her  everywhere,  bvA 


mm' 


112 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


novPr  speaks  n  word  to  ony  one.    I  think  sue  cannot  Bpcok 

"Ah  1  the  old  woman  is  a  foreigner,  then?" 

"Yes,   your  Imlyship-gho  is  Trench.    Oh,   dear,  dear 

France!"  Huid  Hess,  with  an  involuntary  sigh. 

Lady  Dancmoro  turned  away,  and  shaded  her  face  with  her 
hands. 

For  several  minutes  there  was  profound  silence ;  then,  turn- 
ing  to  IJesH,  the  countess  said,  in  a  hurried  whisper  : 

"  Will  you  accompany  me  to-night  to  the  rcsid.  ncc  of  this 
old  woman?  " 

^^Mndmm?"  exclaimed  Bess,  starting  back  in  surprise 
"  It  IS  necessary  I  should  go !  "  said  the  countess,  with  ira- 
patient  vehemonoo.  It  was  for  this  1  sent  for  you-for  this 
.  made  you  swear  scerccy-and  you  must  not  fail  jno  now  '  " 
"  But,  madamc.  think  of  the  danger.  To  take  such  a  long 
dismal  walk  over  the  wild,  lonely  moor,  after  night,  in  your 
present  state  of  health,  might  be  fatal,"  said  Bess  in  a  tone 
of  distress. 

"  I  do  not  care.  Go  I  must,  and  shall !  "  said  the  countess 
vehemently.     -  If  you  will  not  accompany  me,  then  I  must 
find  my  way  alone." 

"  Oh,  my  dear  mistress,  you  know  I  would  accompany  you 
to  the  end  of  the  earth,"  replied  Bess,  earnestly.  -  It  is  only 
of  the  danger  to  yourself  I  speak.  It  is  a  long,  weary  dis- 
tance,  and  you  would  drop  with  fatigue  before  reaching  it." 

"How  far  is  it?" 

"  I  do  not  know ;  many  long  miles,  I  think." 


T 


".iJWII 


■Mi«H 


10  cannot  apeak 


Oh,  dear,  dear 
I. 

ler  face  with  her 

npo;  thcn,tiim- 

ispor : 

?sidv  ucc  of  this 

in  snrpriso. 
intcss,  with  im- 

•  you— for  tliis 
fail  Jiie  now !  " 
\ic  siu'li  a  long, 

night,  ill  your 
Bess  in  a  tone 

1  the  countess, 
;,  then  I  must 

^company  you 

•  "It  is  only 
g,  weary  dis- 
reaching  it." 


THE  RErnET  SOUHOW. 
"Can  you  ride?" 
"On  lioiMfltuc-ii — yoH  niadnnie." 


US 


"Tlun  r(Mil<l  you  not  get  two  of  tlie  horses  out  for  us? 
You  can  saddle  tiiom  yourHi-lf.  My  lior.sc  is  there,  and  Miss 
Sidney's.     We  can  ri(U',  if  we  cannot  walli." 

"  If  my  lady  is  determined  to  go,  I  can  do  so.  But  I  im- 
plore you " 

"  Hush  !  girl— hush  !  You  cannot  move  me  in  my  resolu- 
tion. Can  you  have  the  horses  ready?"  interrupted  the 
countess. 

"  Yes  madame.     At  what  hour?" 

"About  cloven— tlic  family  will  have  retired  before  then. 
No  one  will  disturb  mo  if  I  desire  to  be  left  alone ;  and  at 
that  hour  be  prepared,  and  I  will  come  to  you." 

"  Where  shall  I  meet  you  with  the  horses,  madame?" 
"  You  can  stand  under  the  old  ash  trees.     No  one  will 
notice  you  there,  shouUl  they  chance  to  pass.     And  now,  re- 
member you  have  bound  yourself  to  secrecy." 

"  I  shall  not  forget,  madame.     After  to-night,  I  will  re- 
member no  longei  what  may  occur.     I  never  betray  trust." 
"  It  is  well.     You  may  go." 

She  waved  her  hand,  as  a  sign  to  depart,  and  Bess  silently 
arose,  and  quitted  the  apartment. 

"There  is  something  mysterious  about  this,"  muttered 
Bess,  as  she  tripped  down  the  long,  winding  staircase.  "  What 
can  this  secret  visit  mean?  The  Countess  of  Danemore 
visiting  the  old  Witch  of  the  Moor.  JI/«/oi/what  would 
the  world  say  if  it  heard  it  ?    Well,  it  is  none  of  my  businesa, 

10* 


iM^ 


^fil( ' 


114 


THE  SECRST  SORROW. 


f 


J' 

% 
■  &- 


i 


I  suppose,  but  I  wouid  like  to  know.  How  sii  gular,  too, 
she  should  choose  me,  above  every  one  else,  as  her  confi- 
dante in  this  matter.  But  I  suppose  there  was  no  one  else 
who  could  guide  her  there  that  she  would  like  to  trust.  "Well, 
I  will  be  faithful  to  her,  and  bide  my  time." 

She  reached  tlio  outer  hall  as  she  spoke,  where  she  found 
Charley  Sidney  still  lying.  Touching  her  turban,  by  way  of 
salute,  in  the  easy,  graceful  manner  peculiar  to  her,  she 
would  have  passed  him  ;  but  he  detained  her. 

"I  say,  Bess,"  he  exclaimed,  "what  did  you  mean  by 
that  verse  you  sung,  going  up-stairs?" 

♦' Does  not  monsieur  know?" 

' '  Know  ?  IIow  should  I  P^it's  all  a  prof  und  mystery  to  me  !" 

"Oh!  monsieur,"  said  Bess,  in  a  very  shocked  tone, 
♦'how  can  you  say  so?  Three  weeks  ago,  did  you  not 
8wear  eternal  fidelity  to  me,  on  a  blank  leaf  in  your  pocket- 
book  ?  and  now  you  have  deserted  me  for  la  petite  Amencaine. 
Oh !  monsieur,  how  could  you  do  so  ?  Surely  y  m  might  have 
taken  a  month  to  forget  me  ;  but  to  do  so  in  th/ee  wejks — lo 
leave  me  forlornly  to  wear  the  willow !  Oh !  7  lonsieur 
Charles,  I  will  never  forgive  you !" 

Bess  spoke  in  a  very  dolorous  tone  ;  but  the  merry  twinkle 
in  her  bright  eyes  bespoke  that  Lis  desertion  was  not  likely 
to  brealt  her  lieart. 

Charley  listened  to  her  harangue,  looking  terribly  con- 
scious ;  and  made  an  attempt  to  vindicate  himself,  as  she 
ceased  ;  but,  without  waiting  to  bear  it,  Bess  darted  off,  with 
a  ringing  laugh. 


" 


gmiiMAiiMiiiHiiiiliiiiiiiir*? 


)w  sii  gular,  too, 
Ise,  as  her  confi- 
was  no  one  else 
!  to  trust.    "Well, 

where  she  found 
urban,  by  way  of 
iliar  to  her,  she 

id  you  mean  by 


i  mystery  to  me  !" 
y  shocked  tone, 
go,  did  you  not 
'  in  your  pocket- 
letite  Amencaine. 
f  you  might  have 
th/ee  we  jks — to 
Oh !   7  lonsieur 

he  merry  twinkle 
»n  was  not  likely 

ng  terribly  con- 
!  himself,  as  she 
J  darted  off,  with 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


116 


The  great  hall-clock  of  Dirritole  had  just  tolled  the  hour  of 
eleven  as  a  tall,  slender  figure,  muffled  in  a  long,  dark  cloak, 
came  gliding  from  her  chamber,  passed  noiselessly  throi'gh 
the  upper  hall,  down  the  long  stair-case,  along  the  lower  hall, 
and  out  into  the  court-yard  in  front. 

The  night  was  dark,  save  the  faint  light  of  the  stars,  but 
close  and  sultry. 

The  muffled  figure  passed  rapidly  along,  feeling  her  way, 
as  if  by  intuition,  through  the  darkness,  until  she  reached  a 
grove  of  swaying  ash  trees,  under  whose  shade  stood  another 
muffled  figure — smaller,  and  not  so  slender  as  the  first. 

Two  horses,  saddled  and  ready  for  the  road,  were  tied  to 
the  trees. 

"  No  one  has  passed,  madame,"  said  Bess  L'Olise,  in  a 
hurried  whisper.  "  Here  is  your  horse  ;  let  me  assist  you  to 
mount." 

Lady  Danemore  placed  one  tiny  foot  in  Bess's  hand,  and 
sprang  lightly  into  the  saddle,  with  the  ease  and  dexterity  of 
a  practiced  horsewoman.  Gathering  up  the  reins,  she  started 
forward,  and  Bess  was  in  another  moment  in  the  saddle  and 
by  her  side. 

"  We  can  ride  as  rapidly  as  we  choose  now,  m)  lady,"  said 
Bess,  "  if  it  does  not  fatigue  you  too  much." 

The  only  reply  of  the  countess  was  a  smart  cut  of  her  whip, 
which  made  the  animal  bound  forward  at  a  rapid  gallop. 

"  Yonder  is  the  moor,"  said  Bess,  pointing  with  her  whip. 
*'  We  must  ride  slowly  now  ;  the  ground  is  treacherous  " 

They  rode  forward  slowly  and  cautiously,  Bess  looking 


■■ :'  '* 


. -f- 


116 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


H 


'' 


keenly  around,  least  tbcy  should  miss  the  hut  ov  the  old 
woman. 

As  the  old  manor  came  in  view,  casting  its  long,  dreary 
shadow  over  the  lonely  moor,  both  paused  a  moment  to  con- 
template it.  Not  the  least  sound  or  sign  of  light  betrayed 
that  it  had  occupants. 

" What  strange  old  buildicg  is  that!"  asked  Lady  Dane- 
more,  after  a  pause. 

"It  is  called  the  Old  Moor  Manor,"  replied  Bess,  with  a 
half  shudder,  as  she  gazed  on  the  gloomly  pile.  "It  has 
been  deserted  for  mauy  and  many  a  year.  No  one  ever 
passes  it,  for  it  is  said  to  be  haunted  by  evil  spirits.  Our 
lady  protect  us  !"  and  Bess  crossed  herself  devoutly. 

How  little  did  the  speaker  dream  who  were  at  that  moment 
its  occupants ! 

"Had  we  not  bettor  ride  on,  madamc?"  continued  Bess, 
uneasily,  as  Lady  Daneraore  still  remained  gazing  fixedly  at 
it ;  "  this  is  such  a  lonely  place,  and  the  night  is  passing." 

The  countess  started,  as  if  from  a  dream,  and  followed 
Bess  in  the  direction  to  which  she  had  turned. 

"  I  am  afraid  we  will  have  trouble  in  finding  the  place," 
remarked  Bess,  glancing  anxiously  around.  '•  It  is  not  easily 
found  in  daylight,  and  it  will  be  much  more  dilficult  now." 

As  she  spoke,  a  low  clump  of  stunted  spruce  met  her  eye, 
and,  with  an  exclamation  of  joy,  she  started  forward,  ex- 
claiming : 

"  Thank  Heaven  !  there  it  is  at  last !" 

Lady  Danemore  followed  her;   and,  turning  an  abrupt 


mimjmiMi^ 


jBaapijaraK^r'jjnTrgj 


e  hut  or  the  old 

g  its  long,  dreary 
a  moment  to  con- 
of  light  betrayed 

ked  Lady  Dane- 

)lied  Bess,  with  a 

y  pile.     "  It  has 

ar.     >To  one  ever 

evil  spirits.     Our 

levoutly. 

re  at  that  moment 

"  continued  Bess, 
gazing  fixedly  at 
Tht  is  passing." 
im,  and  followed 
id. 

iding  the  place," 

' '  It  is  not  easily 

dilTicult  now." 

uce  met  her  eye, 

ited  forward,  ex- 


rning  an  abrupt 


>  WLI'Jg"  » 


TIIE  SECRET  SORROW. 


117 


angle  which  concealed  it  from  theu-  view,  the  home  of  th« 
Witch  of  the  Moor  stood  before  them. 

It  was  a  little  low  hut,  n-ith  one  window  in  front,  but  not 
a  ray  of  light  proceeded  from  it.  All  around  was  as  dark 
and  silent  as  the  grave.  The  stunted  trees  behind  so  hid  it 
from  view,  that  one  might  pass  fifty  times  over  the  moor, 
even  in  broad  daylight,  without  discovering  it. 

Bess  leaped  from  her  horse  and,  tying  liim  to  a  tree,  as- 
sisted the  countess  to  aliglit ;  then  approacliing  the  low  door, 
she  raised  the  end  of  her  whip,  and  rapped  loudly. 

A  low,  fierce  growl  from  Death,  was  the  only  answer  they 
received. 

Again  Bess  raised  her  whip  and  rapped,  this  time  louder 

than  before. 

Another  hoarse  growl  from  Death  followed  this,  accompa- 
nied by  a  hissing  sound,  and  a  leap  against  the  door  inside, 
as  though  of  a  cat. 

"  Holy  Saints  protect  us  !"  exclaimed  Bess,  quaking  with 
terror. 

"  Knock  again !"  said  Lady  Danemore,  impetuously. 

Bess  obeyed,  and  fierce  growls  of  the  blood-hound  and 
sharp  hisses  of  the  cat,  grew  absolutely  appalling.  Suddenly, 
a  footstep  was  heard,  and  they  heard  the  shrill,  sharp  voice 
of  Mother  Wail,  Exclaiming  : 

"  Down,  Death !     Be  quiet,  Imp !     Who's  there?" 

«« What  shall  I  say?"  whispered  Bess. 

"  Two  women,  tell  her,"  replied  the  countess. 

"  Only  two  women,"  answered  Bess,  raising  her  voice. 


J, 


llHUIHMIIIIHIi 


»™ 


118 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


!  [;'     '■-  •}. 


■  i; 


"  And  what  do  'two  women '  want  this  hour  of  the  night?" 
called  the  croaking  voice  of  the  witch. 

"  To  have  their  fortunes  told,"  replied  Bess,  at  a  venture, 
after  waiting  in  vain  for  some  suggestion  by  her  mistress. 

"  I  don't  tell  fortunes  at  midnight,"  said  the  old  woman, 
harshly.     "  You  may  go  home  as  you  came." 

"Tell  her  we  will  pay  her  well — she  loves  money,  whis- 
pered the  lady,  hurriedly. 

"  We  will  pay  you  whatever  you  ask,"  called  Bess,  "  only 
let  us  in." 

A  moment's  silence  followed  this,  as  though  Mother  WaQ 
was  deliberating  with  herself  about  this  new  proposal.  A 
moment  after,  she  said  : 

"  How  am  I  to  know  you  are  only  two  women? — you  may 
be  deceiving  me." 

"Indeed  T  am  not.  There  are  only  two  of  us,  I  assure 
you,"  answered  Bess. 

"  Well,  I  will  see.  If  you  are  lying,  I  will  set  my  dog  on 
you,  and  tear  you  to  pieces  !" 

"Heaven  protect  us  !"  ejaculated  Bess,  in  terror. 

The  sounds  of  bolts  withdrawing  now  fell  upon  their 
ears,  and  a  moment  after  the  door  was  cautiously  opened,  and 
the  head  of  the  witch  thrust  out.  Satisfied,  at  length,  that 
they  were  speaking  the  truth,  she  re-entered,  and,  a  moment 
after,  appeared  with  a  light,  and  bade  them  enter. 

As  they  did  so,  the  huge  dog,  Death,  sprang  fox-ward,  with 
the  evident  intention  of  fulfilling  fl^c  old  hag's  throat ;  while 
the  cat— an  enormous  black  Tom— with  eyes  like  coals  of 


■ 


'*-'-f'-^^--^SSrK--- 


■  iii|»iiiiHiiiinii»ii  mil 


)ur  of  the  night?" 

Jess,  at  a  venture, 
y  her  mistress, 
d  the  old  woman, 

ves  money,  whis- 

lUecl  Bess,  "only 

ugh  Mother  WaQ 
lew  proposal.     A 

amen? — you  may 

>  of  us,  I  assure 

111  set  my  dog  on 

Q  terror, 
fell  upon  their 
•usly  opened,  and 
1,  at  length,  that 
,  and,  a  moment 
enter. 

ng  forward,  with 
y'3  throat ;  while 
es  like  coals  of 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


119 


fire,  stood  in  the  middle  of  the  floor,  its  back  bristling  up, 
and  its  fierce  eyes  glaring  like  a  demon's ! 

Terrified  beyond  measure,  Bess  sprang  toward  the  door, 
with  a  shriek  of  terror. 

"He!  ho!  he!"  chuckeled  the  old  beldame;  "you  see, 
my  fine  ladies,  I  am  not  without  proteccors.  Down,  Death  1" 
—to  the  dog— "Keep  still,  Imp!"— to  the  cat.  "Well, 
ladies,  so  you  want  your  fortunes  told." 

She  raised  the  lamp  as  she  spoke,  until  its  light  fell  full  upon 
them.  Lady  Dauemorc  had  thrown  back  her  hood,  and  as 
the  old  woman's  eye  fell  upon  her,  she  started  back,  while 
the  lamp  nearly  fell  from  her  hand. 

^^Madclene!"  she  ejaculated,  in  amazement.  "So!  the 
time  I  have  waited  for  so  long  has  come  at  last,  and  Made- 
lene  Desbrcaux  stands  again  beneath  my  roof." 

There  was  a  malignant  smile  of  triumph  on  her  wrinkled 
face  as  she  ceased  speaking,  that  completely  astounded  Bess. 
She  glanced  at  Lady  Danemore,  who  stood,  cold,  proud,  and 
calm  as  ever,  save  that  her  eyes  wandered  restlessly  round 
the  squalid  apartment,  as  if  seeking  something  in  vain.  As 
Mother  Wail  ceased  speaking,  she  said  to  her,  hurriedly : 

"  Is  there  no  other  room  where  this  young  girl  can  remain 
for  a  few  moments.     I  wish  to  speak  with  you  in  private? " 

'  In  private !  "  repeated  the  old  crone,  with  a  mocking 

sneer.     "I  thought  you  came  to  have  your  fortune  told. 

Shall  I  tell  you  the  past  or  the  future,  Madelene  ? "    He !  he ! 

he!" 

There  was  something  almost  demoniacal  in  the  look  of  tr;T> 


-J 

i 


ib., 


ijiJiiMi 


120 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


umph  With  which  she  regarded  the  countess,  who  leaner, 
against  the  wall,  covered  her  face  with  her  hands,  and  groaned 
dloud. 

"  Come  this  way,  my  dca'-,"  said  the  fortune-teller,  in  her 
taunting  tone  ;  "  this  fine  lady  wishes  her  fortune  told  in  pri- 
vate, it  seems.  I  hardly  think  it  would  do  to  proclaim  it  to 
the  world  yet.     Stay  in  there." 

She  pushed  aside  a  coarse  blanket  that  hung  at  the  further 
end  of  the  hovel,  disclosing  another  room,  equal  in  size  and 
flhape  with  the  one  they  had  left.  An  oil  lamp,  which  stood 
burning  dimly  on  a  rude  slab  table  was  the  only  light  in  the 
room.  A  rude  straw  pallet  on  the  floor,  two  or  three  little 
benches  of  the  rougI.:st  kind,  a  broken  chair,  some  crockery 
and  cooking  utensils  of  the  coarsest  description,  and  huge 
bundles  of  herbs  sticking  out  from  the  rafters  comprised  the 
furniture.  Another  blanket,  similar  to  that  by  which  she  had 
entered,  hung  at  the  end  of  the  room.  Bess  was  half  tempt- 
ed to  lift  it,  and  see  what  was  inside ;  but  the  fear  of  Mother 
Wail  restrained  her,  and  she  drew  back. 

"  I  wonder  how  far  back  the  old  hovel  extends,"  thought 
Bess,  seating  herself  on  one  of  the  benches  ;  "  and  I  would 
like  to  kno-'^  what  is  in  there.  Where  can  the  little  girl  be,  I 
wonder?  Perhaps  that  is  her  sleeping-room.  Oh,  heaven  I 
what  a  place  to  live  in.  I  shall  not  breathe  freely  until  it  is 
out  of  sight.  And  how  i-i  the  name  of  all  that  is  wonderful 
can  this  horrible  old  hag  know  my  lady?  Calling  her  Mad- 
elene,  too.  Oh  !  what  would  I  not  give  to  know  what  aU  this 
mystery  means  ?" 


9SSSS 


!8s,  who  leaner, 
ids,  and  groaned 

ine-teller,  iu  her 
•tuno  told  in  pri- 
3  proclaim  it  to 

ig  at  the  further 
lual  iu  size  and 
np,  which  stood 
)nly  light  in  the 
)  or  three  little 

some  crockery 
>tion,  and  huge 

comprised  the 
y  which  she  had 
vas  half  tempt- 
fear  of  Mother 

ends,"  thought 
"  and  I  would 
i  little  girl  be,  I 
Oh,  heaven  I 
reely  until  it  is 
at  is  wonderful 
lUing  her  Mad- 
>w  what  all  this 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


121 


Bess  paused  to  listen  as  the  sound  of  voices  from  without 
met  her  ear.  Lady  Danemorc  she  could  hear  speaking, 
earnestly  supplicating,  at  times  almost  passionately,  while 
Mother  Wail  still  maintained  her  bitter^  jibing  tone,  some- 
times varying  it  to  one  of  subdued  firmness.  Both  spoke  in 
Freucli ;  but  Bess  could  not  at  first  distinguish  the  words. 
Suddenly  she  heard  Lady  Danemore  say,  in  a  voice  of  S'lp- 
presscd  anguish : 

"  And  you  refuse— you  refuse !  Will  nothing  induce  you 
to  break  this  resolution?  I  will  give  you  gold— eveijthing 
you  wish,  onlj'  comply  with  my  request !" 

"  Nothing,"  answered  the  old  woman,  firmly.  "  Revenge 
is  dearer  than  gold." 

"And  oh,  great  Heaven!  have  you  not  been  revenged? 
Have  you  not  rendered  me  wretched  and  miserable  forever !" 
said  the  voice  of  Lady  Danemore. 

"  Ha,  ha,  ha !"  laughed  the  beldame.  «'  Did  I  not  tell  you 
then  I  would  be  revenged.  I  swore  not  to  rest  in  my  grave 
until  I  saw  that  proud  head  laid  low.  I  will  pursue  you  to 
your  dying  day  ;  and  before  long,  Madeline  Desbreaux,  the 
world  shall  know  you  as  you  really  are.  Until  that  tune 
comes,  I  will  dog  your  steps  like  your  shadow— escape  from 
me  you  cannot.  And  he  for  whom  you  would  die,  you  shall 
never  meet  again  on  earth.  I  have  said  it,  and  my  words 
NEVER  fail!" 

A  groan  of  n-ortal  anguish  came  from  the  lips  of  the  count- 
ess. 

The  heart  '^f  Bess  stood  still  with  astonishment  and  horror. 

11 


.  't 


'^m 


nm^ 


m»      I 


THE  SECRET  SOKROW. 

She  listened  in  vain  to  catch  what  followed ;  for  though 
Mother  Wail  still  spoke,  her  voice  had  sunk  to  a  hoarse,  hiss- 
ing whisper.  No  sound  came  from  Lady  Dancmoro,  save 
the  same  low  moan  of  bitter  agony,  that  made  Bess  grow 
white  with  undefined  fear. 

Suddenly  the  blanket  at  the  entrance  was  pushed  rudely 
aside,  and  Mother  Wail  entered.  Rcss  almost  fell  with  terror 
as  she  looked  on  her.  The  wrinkled,  sallow  face  was  almost 
purple  with  suppressed  passion ;  the  glittering  black  eyes 
were  blazing  with  evil  light.  Turning  to  Bess,  she  said, 
hurriedly : 

"  Go  home.     Your  mistress  is  waiting  for  you." 

Bess  waited  for  no  second  bidding ;  but  rising  hurriedly 
from  her  seat,  she  passed  to  the  outer  apartment.  The  count- 
ess stood  leaning  against  the  wall,  her  arms  lying  powerless 
by  her  side,  her  face  white  as  that  of  the  dead,  the  lips  of  a 
dreadful  livid  blue,  while  she  gasped  as  if  for  breath.  For- 
getting everything  save  the  terrible  fear  that  her  mistress 
was  dying,  Bess  sprang  forward,  and  caught  her  cold  hand 
in  both  of  hers.  Lady  Danemore  did  not  appear  to  hear  or 
see  her — her  eyes  were  fixed  with  a  glazed,  stony  stare  on 
vacancy. 

•'Oh!  my  lady,  my  dear  lady!"  exclaimed  Bess,  in  dis- 
tress, "  do  come  away.     Oh !  good  Heaven  !  she  will  die  !" 

"No  fear,  venomous  reptiles  live  long,"  said  the  old 
woman,  bitterly.     "  Come,  begone,  both  of  you !" 

Her  words  seemed  to  rouse  Lady  Danemore  from  the  trance 
into  which  she  was  falling.    With  a  momentary  strength,  she 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


123 


red ;  for  though 
to  n  hoarse,  hiss- 
Danemorc,  save 
made  Bess  grow 

.8  pushed  rudely 
•st  fell  with  terror 
'  face  was  almost 
ring  black  eyes 
Bess,  she  said, 

you." 

t  rising  hurriedly 
lent.  The  count- 
i  lying  powerless 
!ad,  the  lips  of  a 
ar  breath.  For- 
hat  her  mistress 
;lit  her  cold  hand 
ppear  to  hear  or 
1,  stony  stare  on 

ed  Bess,  in  dis- 
:  she  will  die  !" 
,"  said  the  old 
you !" 

e  from  the  trance 
;ary  strength,  she 


drew  her  cloak  around  her,  and  quitted  the  hut,  followed  by 
Bess.  Mother  Wail  closed  the  door  loudly  after  them,  drew 
the  bolt,  the  light  disappeared,  and  they  were  left  alone  and 
in  darkness,  standing  on  the  dreary  moor. 

Bess  assisted  Lady  Dancmr>re  to  mount,  and  then  sprang 
Into  the  saddle  herself,  with  an  inward  prayer  of  thanksgiv- 
ing that  the  terrible  visit  was  over.  The  cold,  raw  wind  of 
the  coming  morning  blew  chillingly  over  the  moor.  Lady 
Dancmore.  with  a  shiver,  drew  her  cloak  around  her,  the  hand 
that  held  the  reins  relaxed,  her  head  sank  on  her  bosom,  and 
Bess  expected  every  instant  to  sec  her  fall. 

"  Oh!  my  dear,  dear  lady  !"  she  exclaimed,  in  the  utmost 
distress,  "  do,  do  try  to  bear  up  until  we  reach  home.  Oh ! 
that  we  had  never  come  on  this  unfortunate  journey.  Do,  do 
try  to  ride  on  till  we  get  home  !" 

With  an  effort  Lady  Dancmore  raised  her  head,  and  strove 
to  comply.  The  old  Manor  was  passed,  the  moon  lay  behind 
them;  but  the  eastern  sky  began  to  grow  gray  with  the  hue 
of  coming  morn  ;  and  the  countess  again  began  to  droop. 

"  Oh !  what  shall  I  do,  what  shall  I  do?"  cried  poor  Bess, 
in  the  last  extremity  of  dismay.  "  Oh !  my  lady,  do  try  to 
bear  up  a  little  longer.  In  half  an  hour  we  can  be  home ; 
and  if  we  delay  any  longer  the  family  ^iU  be  up,  and  all  wiU 
be  discovered." 

This  last  appeal  produced  more  effect  than  anything  that 
had  yet  been  said.  Lady  Dancmore  aroused  herself ;  and 
though  her  face  was  blanched  to  the  hue  of  death  from  the 
inward  agony  of  her  mind,  yet  she  rode  resolutely  forward ; 


i    1 


134 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


and  soon,  to  the  great  deliglit  of  Bess,  the  peaked  gables 
and  high  turrets  of  Dirritolo  came  in  view. 

Bess  assisted  Lady  Dancmore  to  alight.  Utterly  exhaust- 
ed, she  tottered  forward,  and  would  have  fallen,  had  not  the 
faithful  little  French  girl  assisted  lier.  As  they  readied  the 
hall  door,  the  countess  paused,  and  said,  witli  an  effort : 
"  ThanI:  you,  that  will  do,  I  can  go  myself  now." 
Bess  opened  the  door  to  admit  her ;  and  then  closing  it 
noiselessly,  started  to  where  she  had  left  the  horses.  The 
countess  went  forward  a  few  steps,  swayed  to  and  fro,  then 
reeled,  and  fell  heavily  to  the  flour,  like  one  dead. 


B  peaked  gablea 

Utterly  eshaust- 
llen,  had  not  the 
they  reached  the 
h  an  effort : 
f  now." 

then  closing  it 
ho  horses.  The 
to  and  fro,  then 
dead. 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


It5 


CHAPTER  XI. 


KATE  MEETS  IIEK  FUIEND. 


"  What  though  on  Love's  nltar  tlic  (limio  tliat  is  glowing 

Is  brighter?  yet  rrii'iidship's  \h  stcntliiT  fur! 
One  wavers  iinil  turns  witli  i-ncli  l)rei'zi.'  tluit  is  blowing, 

And  is  but  a  meteor— tlio  other's  a  star," 

Kate  Sidney  sat  at  hor  cliuinlicr  window  lost  in  thought. 
For  hours  she  had  lain  tossing  restlessly  on  her  pillow,  think- 
ing of  her  absent  friend,  and  striving  in  vain  to  solve  the 
mystery,  until  finding  sleep  iinposaiblc,  she  had  arisen, 
thrown  on  her  white  cashmere  morning-gown,  and  seating 
herself  by  the  window,  leaned  her  head  on  her  hand,  'nd 
gave  way  to  the  thoughts  that  came  crowding  thick  and  fast 
through  her  mind. 

Kate  Sidney  was  not  one  to  form  a  friendship  with  every 
young  lady  she  met ;  in  fact,  though  she  made  many  acquaint- 
ances, she  made  very  few  friends— but  when  once  made,  her 
friendship  was  not  easily  broken.  AUce  Desmond  had  been 
the  companion  of  her  childhood,  her  school-mate  in  after 
years,  and  her  firm  friend  now.  They  had  always  shared 
each  other's  secrets,  troubles  and  pleasures. 

Alice  looked  up  to  Kate  alwayi  for  assistance,  relying  on  her 

strong,  calm  judgment  in  emergencies  which  she  otherwise 

'  would  have  shrunk  from ;  and  Kate  loved  Alice  for  her  gentle 

11*     . 


[     * 


\^ 


126 


THK  SECRET  SORROW. 


disposition,  licrswpot,  conllding  nature — tho  vcr}'  opposite  of 
her  own.  IViiiiips  it  was  tliis  very  contrast  tliat  drew  tinMU 
BO  fondly  tof^i'lhiT.  .  Alice  wjih  dreary  and  romantic,  wliilo 
Kate  was  the  most  uiatter-of-faet  yoiiiiy  lady  in  tlie  world. 
The  friends  had  never  been  separated  before ;  and  this  eir- 
cutnstanco  made  Kate  Sidney  feel  it  tho  more  keenly  now. 
She  strove  in  vain  to  assign  some  reason  for  Alice's  uiysterl- 
0118  conduct.  She  had  left  homo  voluntarily — that  her  note 
testified  ;  but  why  had  she  done  so?  It  was  so  unlike  all  she 
had  ever  known  of  her,  that  Kate  was  tempted  to  doubt  tho 
evidence  of  her  senses ;  l)ut,  with  a  sigh,  she  was  obliged  to 
ackuowlodgc  it  was  stern  reality. 

From  the  train  of  nbsording  thought  into  which  she  had 
fallen,  she  was  suddenly  aroused  by  the  sound  of  a  heavy 
fall  in  the  hall  below.  She  started  to  her  feet  to  listen  ;  some- 
thing like  a  gioan  fell  upon  her  ear,  and  made  her  blood 
run  cold.  But  Kate  Sidney  was  morally  and  physically  brave 
— there  was  not  a  drop  of  cowaidly  blood  in  her  veins,  and 
fihe  hesitated  but  for  u  n  omcut.  Seizing  a  light,  she  passed 
from  her  chamber  through  '— ig  suite  of  apartments,  through 
the  upper  hall,  down  the  long  stair-case,  and  into  the  lower 
hall ;  and  there — a  sight  met  her  eyes  that  froze  her  blood 
with  horror. 

Lying  prone  on  her  face  on  the  ground,  and  bathed  in 
blood,  lay  Lady  Dancraore.  Her  long  black  hair  fell  wildly 
around  her,  clotted  with  gore,  which  had  formed  a  little  pool 
on  the  carpet  by  her  side,  while  a  little  dark  stream  flowed 
steadily  from  her  mouth. 


THF,  SErnr.T  flOTinow. 


1»7 


very  opposite  of 
tlint  (Iruw  them 
lomiuitic,  while 

}'  ill   tlif  world. 

0  ;  and  tliin  oir- 
ore  keenly  now. 
Alioe'H  Hiystorl- 
— that  her  note 
m  luilike  all  uho 
L'd  to  doubt  the 

was  obliged  to 

)  which  aho  bad 
md  of  a  heavy 
to  listen ;  sorae- 
nade  her  blood 
physically  brave 

1  her  veins,  and 
ight,  she  passed 
tments,  through 

into  the  lower 
froze  her  blood 

,  and  bathed  in 
:  hair  fell  wildly 
lied  a  little  pool 
{  stream  flowed 


.v.V  , 


For  a  momcit,  Kate  stood  rooted  to  the  ground  with  hor- 
ror, gasping  for  breath,  and  sickening  at  the  awful  sight  bo- 
fore  her ;  then  recovering  hcrs.lf  by  a  mighty  etVort,  she 
went  forwar.l,  and  raised  tl>e  licad  of  tlie  i)r()strate  lady.  The 
great  black  eyes  stan'd  wi<le  open,  vacant  and  lusterleas,  and 
glazed  as  though  in  .U-ath ;  tlit;  face  was  white  and  cold  as 
that  of  a  corpse,  save  where  it  was  dreadfully  dabbled  with 
blood;  the  lips,  livid  and  purple,  were  ni.art.  and  seemed 
frozen  to  the  white  ti«eth.  Kate's  heart  nearly  stood  still 
with  terror,  as  she  covered  her  face  with  her  hands,  and 

groaned : 

"  Oh,  merciful  Heaven,  she  is  dead  !" 
For  a  while  she  sat  stunned,  stupefied  by  the  sudden  blow. 
Then,  as  the  thought  tiiat  life  might  not  yet  be  totally  extinct 
flashed  across  her  mind,  she  wheeled  over  a  couch,  and,  with 
an  effort,  raised  the  appaicntly  dying  lady  upon  it.  Then 
.,he  turned,  and  Hew  rather  than  ran  up  the  stairs,  until  she 
reached  the  earl's  room,  and  rapped  loudly  for  admittance. 

In  a  few  moments  the  door  opened,  and  the  earl  appeared. 

"  What  is  the  matter?"  he  asked,  staring  at  Kate's  pallid 
face  in  astonishment. 

"  For  Heaven's  sake,   uncle,  hurry  for  a  doctor,  Aunt 
Madeline  is  dying  ;  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost!" 

"What!"  gasped  the  earl,  growing  deadly  white,   and 
grasping  Kate's  arm  so  violently  that  she  almost  shrieked 

with  pain. 

"  She  is  dying,  I  tell  you,"  repeated  Kate,  with  passionate 
vehemence.     "  I  found  her  lying  in  the  lower  hall,  covtred 


r 


128 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


with  blood.  I  fear  she  has  burst  a  blood-vessel,  and  will  not 
survive.  Oh  !  hurry,  hurry !  if  you  ever  hurried  ih  your  life ! 
She  may  not  be  dead  yet !" 

Without  waiting  to  hear  her  out,  the  earl  sprang  past,  and 
was  down  stairs  in  a  moment.  One  glance  at  the  dcath-Iiko 
face  of  his  wife,  and  he  was  gone. 

The  servants  were  all  buried  in  profound  slumber ;  there 
was  no  time  to  be  lost  in  waking  them  up ;  and  in  another 
instant  he  was  mounted  and  away  like  the  wind. 

The  rest  of  the  family  were  by  this  time  thoroughly  aroused, 
and  lights  were  now  flashing  in  every  direction  ;  the  fright- 
ened scr\-ants  gazed  into  each  other's  faces,  pale  with  fear, 
as  if  seeking  there  an  explanation  of  this  new  mystery. 

Lady  Danemore  was  removed  to  her  chamber ;  while  Mrs. 
Nelson,  who,  on  learning  what  had  happened,  fell  into  violent 
hysterics,  and  had  to  be  carried  to  hers.  All  was  dismay  and 
confusion. 

In  a  very  short  time  the  doctor  arrived,  and  agreed  with 
Kate  in  saying  she  had  burst  a  blood-vessel,  and  that  her 
case  was  serious — very  serious  indeed ;  but  still,  with  the  aid 
of  her  youth,  and  the  unceasinp-  care  of  her  attendants,  she 
might  recover. 

With  some  difficulty  she  was  restored  to  consciousness,  and 
gazed  wildly  round  on  the  numerous  anxious  faces  by  which 
she  was  surrounded.  As  memory  returned,  bringing  befora 
her  the  scenes  of  the  night,  she  tuined  away  her  head  with  a 
faint  moan. 

The  doctor  having  positively  forbidden  them  to  disturb  her 


ii 


\ 


y]Wli.'.'l»!i!"H"i-,'.""'.'.S^'Lj''' 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


m 


Dssel,  and  will  not 
rried  iti  your  life ! 

sprang  past,  and 
at  the  death-like 

i\d  slumber ;  there 
p ;  and  in  another 
wind. 

loroughly  aroused, 
cction  ;  the  f  right- 
>es,  pale  with  fear, 
lew  mystery, 
imber ;  while  Mrs. 
icd,  fell  into  violent 
All  was  dismay  and 

id,  and  agreed  with 
essel,  and  that  her 
it  still,  with  the  aid 
her  attendants,  she 

>  consciousness,  and 
ous  faces  by  which 
led,  bringing  befora 
pray  her  head  with  a 

1  them  to  disturb  her 


\ 


with  questions,  all  were  left  to  their  own  conjectures  as  to  how 
it  had  happened.  What  could  Lady  Danemore  be  doing  in 
the  lower  hall,  wrapped  in  a  large  cloak,  at  that  hour  of  the 
morning?  What  could  have  happened  to  make  her  biurst  a 
blood-v'essel?  They  asked  themselves  the  question,  and 
looked  in  each  other's  faces  for  an  answer  in  vain. 

The  morning  wore  wearily  on,  and  toward  noon,  feeling 
ill  and  feverish  from  excitement  and  want  of  s-'ccp,  Kate 
mounted  her  horse  for  a  ride.     Here  a  new  mysteiy  awaited 
her.     The  horses  had  been  ridden  by  some  person  or  persons 
unknown  during  the  night!     Could  it  have  been  by  Lady 
Danemore?    Kate  was  bewildered,  and  like  one  in  a  dream. 
She  mounted  her  horse  and  rode  off  for  the  Tines.     Here, 
too,  all  was  gloom.     Sir  Hugh  she  foimd  exceedingly  ill,  and 
no  further  news  had  been  heard  of  Alice.     Lord  Arndnle  had 
departed,  firmly  resolved  to  find  her,  and  induce  her  to  re- 
turn—and this  hope  still  buoyed  the  old  man  up. 

Kate's  visit  was  soon  over,  and  she  once  more  turned  her 
horse's  head  in  the  direction  of  Dirritole.      As  she  slowly 
proceeded,  the  events  of  the  past  few  days  rose  vividly  be- 
fore her.     The  singular  disappearance  of  Alice ;  the  unac- 
countable agitation  of  Lady  Danemore  at  the  sight  of  the  old 
fortune-teller  on  the  night  of  the  baU;  and  her  stUl  more 
mysterious  illness  of  the  preceding  night.     How  was  all  to  be 
accounted  for?     So  absorbed  did  Kate  become  in  her  train 
of  thought,  that  she  scarcely  noticed  that  she  had  entered  the 
forest  path,  until  a  little  ragged  urchin  stood  before  her,  and 
jerking  his  forelock  politely,  said : 


l.. 


180 


THE  SEC:RET  sorrow. 


"  If  you  please,  ma'am,  here's  a  letter  a  young 'ooman  ovei 
there  told  me  to  bring  up  to  the  'All  and  give  it  to  nobody 
but  you  -,  but  I  seed  you  coram'  in  here,  and  foUowed  you. 

'Ere's  the  letter." 
As  he  spoke,  he  presented  Kate  with  a  small  folded  aUp  of 

paper. 

Surprised  at  this  singular  address,  she  tore  it  open,  and 

read: 

"Miss  Kate  :  If  you  vant  to  hear  of  Miss  Alice,  come  to  the  old  oak 
near  the  spring,  inimecliatoly.  I  am  awaiting  you  there.  Do  not  show 
this  to  a  living  soul,  or  aU  will  be  lost—  "  Janie  Finn. 

Thunder-struck  with  amazement,  and  scarcely  able  to  credit 
her  senses,  Kate  read  and  re-read  the  note,  which  had  been 
scrawled  liurriedly  with  a  pencil  on  a  bit  ot  brown  paper. 
Turning  at  length  to  the  boy,  who  still  stood  before  her,  she 
breathlessly  demanded  from  whom  he  had  received  it. 

"  Why,  I  did  tell  you,"  said  the  boy,  looking  rather  aston- 
ished at  Miss  Sidney's  evident  agitation,  "I  was  a  comin' 
along,  not  thinkin'  of  nothin'  in  particular,  when  a  young 
vomanthat  looked  as  if  she'd  been  trin'  to  hide  herself  'mong 
the  trees,  comes  out,  and  she  comes  up  to  me,  and  sez  she : 
"  Does  you  knoN"  where  Dirritole  is?"  and  I  sez,  '  Yes,'  and 
she  axes  me  if  as  how  I  knows  Miss  Kate  Sidney,  and  I  sez 
« Yes ; '  and  she  pulls  out  that   there   letter,  and  sez  she, 
'Will  you    take  this   ere    up  to    her,   and  don't  let    no- 
body else  see  it?  sez  she,  and  I  sez  as  how  I  will ;  and  then 
she  gave  me  three  bobs,  and  tells  me  not  to  let  nobody,  'cept 


'f 


young  'ooman  ovei 

[1  give  it  to  nobody 

and  followed  you. 

small  folded  alip  of 

I  tore  it  open,  and 


,ce,  come  to  the  old  oak 

lU  there.    Do  not  show 

"Janie  Fiuh." 

iarcely  able  to  credit 
(te,  which  had  been 
jit  ot  brown  paper, 
ood  before  her,  she 
tl  received  it. 
ooking  rather  aston- 
I,  "  I  was  a  comin' 
ular,  when  a  young 
,0  bide  herself  'mong 
to  me,  and  sez  she : 
nd  I  sez,  '  Yes,'  and 
te  Sidney,  and  I  sez 
letter,  and  sez  she, 
and  don't  let   no- 
low  I  will ;  and  then 
t  to  let  nobody, 'cept 


( 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


181 


'tis  you,  see  it;  and  I  starts  and  meets  you  slap;  and  so 
that's  all  I  know  about  it." 

Kate  listened  with  almost  breathless  interest  to  this  lucia 
and  very  grammatical  explanation,  and,  as  the  boy  ceased, 
8he  turned  away,  and,  without  a  word,  darted  into  the  forest, 
in  the  direction  of  the  old  oak.  The  young  gentleman  in  the 
ragged  garments  looked  after  her  with  a  strong  expression  of 

disgust. 

"  Well,  if  that  ere  ain't  what  cdercatod  folks  calls  ingratb 
tude,  I'd  like  ter  know  what  is,"  he  said,  after  a  pause,  his 
feelings  finding  vent  in  words  :  "  here  I  trots  up  to  her,  and 
gins  her  a  letter,  hopin'  she'll  trip  me  the  needful  when  she 
reads  it,  and  I'm  blamed  if  I  sees  the  first  shiner  of  her  money, 
and  I  a  young  gentleman  what  ain't  got  but  three  bobs  in 
the  world  to  bless  myself  with,  which  that  nice  young 'ooman 
over  there  guv  me.  But  it's  allurs  the  way  with  lords  an'  la- 
dies, they  haint  got  the  first  spark  of  perliteness-no  more 
manners  nor  a  passsl  of  pigs !  Ugh  1  " 

And  evidently  disgusted  beyond  measure  at  the  ingratitude 
of  the  world,  the  ill-used  young  gentleman  put  his  ragged 
pants  in  locomotion,  and  was  soon  out  of  sight  among  the 

Meantime,  Kate  had  made  her  way  rapidly  toward  the  spot 
indicated  in  the  singular  note,  almost  tempted  to  believe  her- 
self laboring  under  some  strange  delusion.  News  of  Mice  I 
The  thought  gave  wings  to  her  feet,  and  panting  and  breath- 
less with  the  haste  she  had  made,  she  found  herself  at  the  old 
oak.     She  paused  and  looked  around,  not  a  soul  was  to  be 


"""I**' 


jgg  THE  SECRET  SORROW. 

Been,   all    was    as    profoundly    still    and  deserted  as  the 

grv»'e. 

"  Janic  Finn !"  called  Kate,  with  a  strange  throbbing  at 

the  heart,  as  the  thought  that  she  had  been  deceived  flashed 

across  her  mind. 

-  Hush,  M=ss  Kate,  not  so  loud,"  said  a  voice  from  the 
trees  behind  her,  and  a  moment  after,  J.aie  stood  before  her, 
pah;  with  fatigue  and  apprehension. 

"  Oh,  Jauie  Finn,  for  Heaven's  sake  tell  me  of  AUce ! "  ex- 
claimed  Kate,  springing  forward  and  seizing  her  hand.  "  Is 
she  yet  alive,  or  what  has  befallen  her?  Speak,  girl,  speak  1" 
-  She  is  alive,  but  very  iU,"  said  Janie,  striving  to  restrain 
her  sobs.  "  Oh,  Miss  Kate,  only  think  where  she  is,  and  has 
been  for  the  last  wecli-in  the  old  haunted  Moor  Manor." 

"  Alice  Desmond  in  the  Manor !  "  ejaculated  Kate  in  hor- 
ror.    ' '  Who  could  have  forced  l.er  there  ?  ' ' 

«'  Your  own  uncle.  Miss  Kate-the  noble  Earl  of  Dane- 
more  !  "  replied  Janie,  bitterly. 

''My  uncle!  Oh,  Janie,  impossible!  You  are  deceived! 
He  never  could  commit  so  base  an  act,"  said  Kate,  horror- 

struck. 

"I  suppose  not,"  said  Janie ;  "  I  suppose  I  wasn't  pres- 
ent  and  saw  him.  Miss  Kate?    I  tell  you  he  did." 

''  Nonsense !  it  is  absurd- ridiculous.  He  never  would  do 
it,"  said  Kate,  vehemently.  "Why,  girl.  Miss  Desmond 
herself  left  a  note  saying  she  had  departed  of  her  own  free 
will.     You  have  been  deceived." 

"I  say  what  I  mean  and  know !"  said  Janie,  stoutly ;  "  th« 


r. 

id  deserted  as  the 

trange  throbbing  at 
een  deceived  flashed 

id  a  voice  from  the 
.aie  stood  before  her, 

3ll  me  of  Alice ! "  ex- 
zing  her  hand.  "  Is 
Speak,  girl,  speak  1" 
c,  striving  to  restrain 
where  she  is,  and  has 
ted  Moor  Manor." 
aculated  Kate  in  hor- 
•e?" 
noble  Earl  of  Dane- 

You  are  deceived! 
t,"  said  Kate,  horror- 

ippose  I  wasn't  pres- 
3U  he  did." 

i.  He  never  would  do 
,  girl.  Miss  Desmond 
arted  of  her  own  free 

d  Janie,  stoutly ;  "tha 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


133 


earl  did  take  her  away,  and  if  you  go  to  the  Old  Manor,  you 
will  see  her  there,  and  she  can  tell  you  herself  if  you  won't 
believe  mc." 

"  But — but — it  seems  so  strange,  so  improljablc,  so  utterly 
monstrous,  in  fac^  !"  said  Kate,  speaking  like  one  in  a 
dream.  "  Come,  Jauic,  tell  mc  all  you  know,  from  begin- 
ning to  end.  The  whole  affair  seems  wrapped  in  profound 
mystery." 

"  Very  well ;  I  must  be  quick,  then  ;  for  if  the  earl  sl}oukl 
chance  to  miss  me,  I  would  uc  killed,"  said  Janic,  who  there- 
upon related  to  Kate  all  that  the  reader  already  knows,  from 
then-  starting  that  stormy  night,  until  after  the  departure  of 
the  earl  on  the  morning  after  the  visit  of  the  witch,  conclud- 
ing with : 

"And  so  Miss  Alice  has  been  getting  weaker  and 
weaker  ever  since.  She  is  not  exactly  sick,  but  she  is 
fading  and  fading,  like  the  waning  moon.  She  neither  eats 
nor  speaks,  but  lies  on  the  cushions  from  morning  till  nigtt. 
Oh,  Miss  Kate,  I  am  sure  she  will  die !  The  earl  told  us,  if 
we  ever  breathed  to  a  living  soul  of  her  being  there,  he  would 
pursue  us  with  his  vengeance  all  our  lives ;  so  we  were  afraid 
to  come  before.  But  when  I  saw  Miss  Alice  lying  there,  dy- 
ing by  inches,  I  could  not  stand  it  longer.  I  just  told  John 
I  would  go,  and  let  the  earl  do  what  he  liked,  because  one 
might  as  well  b3  killed  at  once,  as  to  be  dying  with  fear  every 
night,  as  we  are.  John  wanted  to  come,  but  I  wouldn't  let 
him ;  I  knew  he'd  be  sure  to  be  found  out— men  are  such 
Stupid  creatures  ;  so  I  started  about  day-break,  and  meeting 

12 


}hr^^^fii^fi"/&fi"' 


hBiM}iiMM*>^iilU-  "I" 


'i!:: 


.1 

A. 


134 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Ragged  Tommy,  whom  1  knew  I  could  trust,  I  gave  him  that 
note,  and  here  you  are.  All  I  ask,  is  that  you  will  tell  Lord 
Arndalo,  and  have  Miss  Alice  rescued  before  she  dies.  As 
for  me,  I  must  hurry  right  back.  Heaven  help  me  if  the  earl 
discovers  whijt  I  have  done." 

Kate  had  stood  with  her  flcar,  searching  eyes  fixed  on  tho 
faithful  girl's  face  while  she  spoke,  her  own  countenance  un- 
dergoing a  thousand  changes  of  surprise,  bewilderment,  and 
terror.  As  Janic  ceased,  Kate's  face  was  flushed,  and  her 
eyes  were  sparkling  with  indignation,  while  a  firm  look  of 
decision  gave  a  svorn  energy  to  her  expression.  But  she  now 
only  looked  up  and  said  quietly  : 

"  And  what  do  you  expect  me  to  do?" 
'■'To  do!"  repeated  Jnnie,  astonished.     ""Why  to  tell 
Lord  Arndale,  of   course,  and   have   Miss   Alice   brought 
home." 

"  I  cannot  do  so,"  said  Kate,  in  the  same  calm  tone. 
"Lord  Arndale  is  in  London,  and  I  do  not  know  his  ad- 
dress." 

Janic  wrung  her  hands  in  dismay. 

"  Oh,  what  is  to  be  done,  then?"  she  exclaimed  in  terror. 
"  My  poor,  dear  young  lady !  must  she  die  all  alone  in  that 
dreary  place  ?  Oh,  Miss  Kate !  Miss  Kate !  she  loves  you, 
and  would  almost  give  her  life  for  you,  and  now  can  you 
have  the  heart  to  leave  her  there  to  die  alone  ?' ' 
And  Janie  sobbed  outright  in  her  distress. 
"No!"  said  Kate,  with  such  stern  fierceuoss  that  Janie 
drew  back  in  alarm.     "No !  this  very  night  I  will  go  to  the 


J 


\ 


', 


«tKi-,ra '-^crr' 


ifSii'fSTsiwmcc\'r~Ai!n<.''P'  "'^'V'  P'mmUMf^-'^i 


! 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


135 


;,  I  gave  him  that 
you  will  tell  Lord 
re  she  clies.  As 
elp  me  if  the  earl 

eyes  fixed  on  the 
I  countenance  un- 
lewilderment,  and 
flushed,  and  her 
e  a  firm  look  of 
on.    But  she  now 


,     ""Why  to  tell 
}s   Alice   brought 

same  calm  tone, 
not  know  his  od- 


daimed  in  terror, 
s  all  alone  in  that 
e !  she  loves  you, 
and  now  can  you 
ue?" 

IS. 

ceuoss  that  Janie 
iit  I  will  go  to  the 


-    " 


i 


K 


old  Moor  Manor,  and  to-morrow  Alice  Desmond  shall  be  free 
forever!" 

"  What !"  exclaimed  Jauie,  flushing  with  joy.  "  Oh,  dear 
Miss  Kate,  you  have  made  me  so  happy !  And  you  will 
come  to-night !  Oh,  I  am  sure  the  very  sight  of  you  will  re- 
store my  dear  young  lady  again !  I  knew  you  wouldn't  de- 
sert her  Miss  Kate?" 

"You  had  better  go,  now,"  said  Kate,  impatiently,  with- 
out paying  any  attention  to  Janie's  transports.  I  know  the 
way,  so  I  shall  not  want  any  guide.  Tell  Miss  Desmond  I 
shall  not  fail  to  be  there  to-night." 

And  Kate  turned  away  toward  the  forest  path,  while  Janie 
cautiously  took  the  way  that  led  to  the  moor. 

For  a  while  Kate  went  on  rapidly,  her  cheeks  flushed,  her 
lips  compressed,  and  her  eyes  fixed  on  the  ground.  At 
length  her  thoughts  found  vent,  and  she  exclaimed  bit- 
terly : 

"  To  think  that  he  should  be  so  base !  I  always  knew  he 
was  fiery,  passionate,  and  cruel,  as  his  injustice  to  poor  Wal- 
ter can  testify ;  but  I  never,  never  thought  he  could  stoop  to 
drag  a  defenseless  girl  from  her  home,  lest  she  should  stand 
in  the  way  of  his  ambition.  His  motive  for  this  is  very  evi- 
dent ;  he  wishes  to  get  Alice  out  of  the  way  for  a  while, 
thinking  he  can  prevail  upon  Harry  to  marry  Lady  Mary 
Orancourt.  And  to  think  that  this  man  should  be  ray  uncle !" 
and  Kate  drew  herself  up  haughtily,  "but  he  will  find  that 
woman's  wit  is  a  2iatch  for  man's  cunning  I  To-morrow 
Alico  will  be  free  1" 


186 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


r  if. 


If 


'HI 


iiii 

£1, 


How  little  did  Kate  Sidney  know  what  that  eventful  mor- 
row Tvould  bring  forth ! 

Upon  reaching  Dirritole,  Kate's  firat  inqniry  was  for  the 
earl.  Miss  Diclvctt  herself  answered  her  summons,  and 
entered  the  room  in  a  towering  state  of  indignation. 

"Well,  Miss  Dit'lvett,  what  new  piece  of  iniquity  has  come 
to  light  now?"  inquired  Kate.  "Has  Master  Charley  done 
any  new  crime,  this  morning?" 

Miss  Dickctt,  overcome  with  indignation  and  haste,  could 
not  answer  immediately,  but  stood  panting  for  breath  in  the 
middle  of  the  floor,  with  botli  hands  pressed  to  lier  sides. 

"Yes,  hit's  all  wery  fine — so  it  is!"  exclaimed  the  ancient 
virgin,  at  length  finding  breath.     "  I  never  sees  such  a  place 
as  Dirritole's  getting  to  be,  of  late.     Hever  since  those  new- 
comers come,  there  ain't  one  mite  of  peace  or  comfoit  in  the 
'ouse.     A  nasty  hold  nigger-wench,  down  hin  the  kitchen, 
which  his  has  black  has  the  hace  of  spades.     Hup  stairs, 
there's  that  wild  little  himp.  Miss  Maggie,  allers  a  makin'  of 
mischief ;    she's  fifty   thousand   times    worse  than  Master 
Charles — so  she  is.     Hand  then  to  'avo  hold  witches,  which 
is  enough  to  make  a  body's  blood  run   cold,  a  coming  to 
parties,  hand  a  stayin'  jest  as  long  has  they  likes,  his  habso- 
lutely  hundurable,  so  hit  his.     Hand  then  to  'ave  my  lady  up 
in  'er  room  sick,  and  a  fallin'  inter  fits  in  the  'all,  and  Miss 
Marie  off  inter  hister-icks  in  t'other,  is  jnor'n  I'm  goin'  to  bear ; 
hand  I  just  means  for  to  resign  my  situation— so  I  does  1" 

"  Very  good ;  you  must  speak  to  the  earl  about  that. 
Where  is  he  now?"  said  Kate,  with  quiet  dignity. 


S 


,   '. 


^,M.Mir(iiiiii(ttiAiniBiiiw 


Bmsjr— rT55S5«l 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


137 


liat  eventful  mor> 

uiry  was  for  the 
I'  aummous,  and 
iguation. 

iniquity  has  come 
ter  Charley  done 

and  haste,  could 
:  for  breath  in  the 
[1  to  her  sides, 
aimed  tlie  ancient 
•  sees  such  a  place 
r  since  these  new- 
!  or  comfoit  in  the 
I  hiu  the  kitchen, 
dcs.     Hup   stairs, 

allers  a  makin'  of 
orse  than  Master 
old  witches,  which 
cold,  a  coming  to 
ly  likes,  his  habso- 
to  'ave  my  lady  up 

the  'all,  and  Miss 
a.  I'm  goin'  to  bear ; 
on — so  I  does  1" 
i  carl  about  that, 
dignity. 


4  '. 


"He's  hup  in  'is  study,  a  writin  of  somcthin',"  replied  the 
outraged  housekeeper. 

"  Well,  will  you  oblige  rac  by  telling  him  I  wish  to  see  him 
for  a  moment?"  said  Kate,  rising. 

With  a  muttered  "  hit's  all  wery  fine,  so  it  is,"  Miss  Dick- 
ctt  made  her  visit,  and  presently  reappoivod,  to  announce 
that  "  the  hearl  would  be  very  'appy  t(  .liss  Kate." 

Miss  Sidney  ran  up-stairs,  and  tapped  at  the  study-door, 
which  was  opened  by  the  earl  himself.  lie  looked  pale  and 
anxious,  but  Kate  was  at  no  loss  for  what  to  ascribe  it  to 
now,  nor  did  she  set  it  down  as  anxiety  on  Lady  Danemore's 
account.  ' 

"  Well,  Miss  Sidney,  to  what  am  I  indebted  for  the  honor 
of  this  visit?  "  said  the  earl,  motioning  her  with  his  hand  to 
a  seat. 
Kate  noticed  his  courtesy  by  a  slight  bow,  but  remained 

standing. 

"  I  have  come  here  to  tell  you  I  am  about  to  leave  Dirr\- 
tole  for  a  short  time,"  said  Kate,  quietly. 

"  All,  indeed ! "  said  the  earl,  surprised  and  uneasy. 

*'  Yes,"  said  Kate,  in  the  same  indifferent  tone.  "  I  re- 
ceived a  note  to-day,  stating  that  my  friend  was  sick,  and 
wished  to  see  me  very  much.  I  caynot  refuse  her  request, 
but  I  considered  it  necessary  to  teU  you  before  I  went.   That 

is  all. 

Kate  stood  with  her  head  proudly  erect,  waiting  his  an- 

Bwer. 
"  Miss  Sidney  is  her  own  mistress,"  said  the  earl,  with  a 

12* 


188 


THE  SECr.ET  SORROW. 


slight  bow,  •'  and  of  course  can  go  where  she  pleases  ;  but  1 
think,  with  two  patients  now  in  the  Iioimc " 

"  Mrs.  Nclat)n  1ms  her  danghtcr  and  black  servant  to  at- 
tend her,"  said  Kate,  with  an  impatient  wave  of  her  hand ; 
"and  as  to  Lady  Danemcre,  she  will  be  delighted  to  ex- 
change my  sen' ices  for  those  of  Bess  L'Olise.  Therefore 
my  presence  is  more  necessary  elsewhere  than  here.  Have  I 
your  permission  to  go,  my  lord?" 

AVhcn  asking  permission  of  any  one,  Kate  always  spoke 
haughtily.  Now  she  stood  drawn  up  to  her  full  height,  proud- 
ly awaiting  his  reply. 

"Oh,  certainly  ;  the  trouble  of  coming  to  tell  me  was  quite 
unnecessary.     Go,  by  all  means." 

The  earl  rose  as  he  spoke,  to  signify  that  their  interview 
was  over.  Kate  passed  him  with  a  slight  bow.  and  a  cold 
"  thank  you,  my  lord,"  ran  down  stairs,  and  a  few  moments 
later  was  in  the  saddle  and  off. 

Kate's  determination  was  to  pass  the  day  at  the  house  of  a 
friend,  and  as  soon  as  it  grew  dark  to  set  off.  Accordingly, 
with  the  first  shades  of  evening,  she  started,  and  took  the 
road  toward  the  old  Moor  Manor. 

The  journey  was  a  desolate  and  lonely  one,  even  in  broad 
daylight ;  but  now,  only  lighted  by  the  watery,  fitful  light  of 
the  moon,  it  was  still  worse.  But  Kate  had  never  felt  fear 
In  her  life,  and  now  her  only  thought  was  of  her  friend — of 
poor  Alice  Desmond.  Every  moment  seemed  an  age  until 
she  reached  her,  and  with  a  feeling  of  unspeakable  joy  she  at 
length  beheld  the  gloomy  front  of  the  old  Manor,  rising  like 


ia 


10  pleases  ;  but  I 

k  servant  to  at- 
c  of  bcr  hand ; 
lelightcd  to  cx- 
•lisc.  Thorcforo 
m  here.    Have  I 

te  always  spoke 
ill  height,  proud- 

tell  me  was  quite 

their  interview 
bow.  and  a  cold 
.  a  few  moments 

at  the  house  of  a 
f.  Accordingly, 
d,  and  took  the 

I,  even  in  broad 
ry,  fitful  light  of 
I  never  felt  fear 
f  her  friend — of 
ed  an  age  until 
ikable  joy  she  at 
anor,  rising  like 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


189 


a  dark,  evil  ihing  in  the  midst  of  the  gloomy  moor.     Not  a 
glimpse  of  light  came  from  if,  all  was  dark,  and  still,  and 

noiseless  as  the  grave. 

"  Can  it  be  deserted?  "  thought  Kate,  as  she  sprang  from 
the  saddle,  ond  wrapped  loudly  with  the  end  of  her  whip  on 

*be  heavy  oaken  door. 

^  dull,  rumbling  echo,  like  distant  thunder,  echoed  through 

the  old  building,  making  even  Kate  start.  In  a  moment, 
however,  she  was  reassured  by  hearing  the  voice  of  John  caU, 
in  trembling  tones : 

"Who  is  there?" 

.'  It  is  I,  Miss  Sidney,"  said  Kate,  impatiently,  "  open  the 

door,  quick!"  ^  ,      .         * 

•'  Miss  Sidney,  thank  Heaven !"  exclaimed  John,  fervent- 
ly, as  ho  drew  back  the  bolts. 

Kate  sprang  over  the  threshold,  saying,  as  she  did  so: 
♦'Sec  to  my  horse."  Then  turning,  she  entered  the  great 
empty  room,  where  Alice  and  Janie  was.  The  sound  of  the 
loved  voice  of  her  friend  seemed  to  inspire  Alice  with  new 
life.  She  half  arose,  held  out  her  arms  toward  Kate, 
.and  in  another  moment  lay  weak  and  powerless  on  her 

bosom.  „ 

«'  Oh  1  dear,  dear  Kate,  I  knew  you  would  come  to  me, 

said  Alice,  faintly,  raising  her  head  for  a  moment." 

"  Oh,  Alice  !  Oh,  poor  Alice !"  said  Kate,  her  tears  falhng 

fast  on  the  pale,  thin  face  of  her  friend. 

-And  my  father,  Kate-ho«   is  he?"  said  Alice  after  a 

long  pause. 


I  h  ■ 


^^\ 


tz 


v/i' 


^ 


140 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Kate  hcnitatcd  a  moment ;  she  could  not  speak  falsely,  and 
eho  shrank  from  adding  to  poor  Alice's  grief. 

"  He  grieves  for  your  loss,  as  you  doubtless  expect,  Alice," 
■aid  Kulo,  gently. 

"And  Hurry — Lord  Arndalc?"  said  Alice,  feebly. 

"  Poor  Hurry,  ho  is  half  crazy,  ho  is  somcwhcro  in  Loudon, 
but  I  will " 

Before  Kato  could  flnish  the  sentence,  John  rushed  in, 
white  with  apprehension. 

"  Oh,  ]\Iis3  Kate,  for  Heaven's  sake  get  out  of  sight.  Tho 
eorl  is  coming — he  will  bo  here  in  a  lew  moments !" 

A  stifled  shriek  burst  from  Jauie's  lips,  while  Alice  grew 
deodly  pale. 

"Let  him  come,  then,"  said  Kate,  drawing  herself  up  proud- 
ly, "  I  do  not  fear  him.     I  will  confront  him  with  his  victims." 

"Oh,  Miss  Kate,  for  the  love  of  Heaven,  do  not  ruin  us 
forever.  The  earl  will  murder  us  if  he  sees  you.  Oh,  Miss 
Kate,  fly!  fly!" 

"  Fly,  Kate,  fly  !  for  my  sake,  go !"  exclaimed  Alice,  wild 
with  fear. 

Unable  to  understand  their  entreaties,  Kate  sprang  to  her 
feet,  and  turning  to  John,  demanded : 

"Where  shall  I  go?" 

"Hero,  here!"  exclaimed  John,  turning  to  a  door  that 
seemed  to  lead  to  tho  interior  of  tho  building,  and  pulling 
with  the  energy  of  despair,  it  gave  way,  and  Kato  sprang 
through.  The  heavy  door  dosed  with  a  loud  bang,  and  she 
tvas  left  alone  in  pitchy  darkness. 


■^ 


,  *'*v.t».niifc.*»""»  j-irafe"* 


THE  SECRET  flORIlOW. 


141 


•peak  falsely,  and 

f. 

8  expect,  Alice," 

s,  feebly. 

nhcro  in  Loudon, 

John  rushed  in, 

ut  of  sight.    The 

nonts!" 

ivhilo  Alice  grew 

herself  up  proud- 
vith  his  victims." 
,  do  not  ruin  us 
I  you.     Oh,  Mias 

limed  Alice,  wild 

,te  sprang  to  her 


How  little  did  she  dream  of  the  lou«  montlm  that  must  pa«. 
ere  she  should  look  ou  tho  fa.,  of  lur  f.U>udu,uin;  of  ho 
.ouderful  cents  that  would  con.  to  light  ere  she  should 
step  out  a  free  woman  onco  moiO. 


to  a  door  that 
ing,  and  pulling 
lud  Kate  sprang 
d  bang,  and  she 


mm 


1 


Mm-mmmtfi 


m» 


142 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


?i 


CHAPTER  Xn. 

THE   ROVER   CHIEF. 

•'  When  a  woman  will  she  will, 
You  may  depend  on't, 
And  when  she  won't  she  won't; 
And  there's  an  end  on't." — Anon. 

For  a  few  moments  profound  stillness  roigned  throughout 
the  old  Moor  Manor.  Kate  stood  in  the  deep  darkness, 
lidteniug  attentively,  but  no  sound  broke  the  profound  still- 
ness. Suddenly  the  tramp  of  a  heavy  footstep  broke  upon 
her  ear,  and  a  moment  after,  she  heard  the  voice  of  the  earl 
as  he  addressed  Alice : 

"  Good  evening,  Miss  Desmond.  I  trust  T  see  you  better 
this  evening," 

"  I  thank  you,  mj  lord,  I  feel  very  weak ;  but  otherwise 
well,"  answered  Alici,  faint  with  apprehension. 

"  Have  you  had  nuy  intruders  since?"  he  demanded,  fixing 
his  eyes  sharply  on  .he  face  of  Alice. 

Miss  Desmond  he  Stated ;  but  Janie  took  upon  herself  to 
answer. 

*'  No,  we  have  had  no  intruders  (that's  true,  anyway," 
thought  Janie,)  "  everybody  thinks  the  old  place  is  deserted, 
when  they  see  no  light.' 

"  I  did  not  ask  you — please  hold  your  tongue  until  you  are 


<>« 


/ 


iMM 


iiaBMttiaM 


II, 

n't; 
—Anon. 

roigned  throughout 
le  deep  darkuess, 
the  profound  still- 
otstep  broke  upon 
e  voice  of  the  earl 

3t  I  see  you  better 

ak ;  but  otherwise 

isioQ. 

i  demanded,  fixing 

>k  upon  herself  to 

's  true,  anyway," 
[  place  is  deserted, 

ugue  until  you  are 


! 


.  . 


/ 


THE  SECRET  SOBROW. 


148 


ST^oken  to,"  Baid  the  earl  harshly  ;  then  turning  to  Alice,  he 
added!  in  a  softer  tone :  "  I  trust  I  shaU  be  able  to  take  you 
tZ  his  dreary  place  very  soon ;  in  the  .eant^me  I  ..11  do 
eveTylinglcJn  to  make  you  comfortable.  Put  m  more 
wood,  John,  I  intend  to  stay  aU  night. 

%^J    AS  1  have  nottog  else  to  do,  I  wU.  go  on  au  ex- 

plortog  expedition,  and  see.''  descended 

\a  we  have  before  remaiked,  Kate  Money  »,. 
trTSrL  oi  warriors;  and  the  heroic  Wood  of  her  fore- 
rers  had  deoeended  to  her  nnadnltcrated.     Fear  was  a 
n  on  she  never  felt ;  and  so  she  hesitated  not  a  mon,en. 
ZZl  that  might  „^e  «n,  who  pass  for  hravc  shnnk^ 
"orTt  requires  eonsiderahle  moral,  as  weil  as  phys.cal  eour^ 
toe.plol  a  deserted  old  honse  alone,  after  n,gh^ne,  too, 
L;    g  so  terrible  a  reputation  as  did  the  old  Moor  Mano. 
L    turned  for  the  purpose  of  putUng  her  resolnfon  .^o 
prLlee,  and  endeavored  to  peer  through  the  th.ek  darkness^ 
G^Iu,  her  eye,  grew  more  acensto«d  to  '^  g'oo".  -^ 
1  saw  Lt  she  was  in  a  sort  of  a  long  haU,  that  seemed  to 

Ipad  to  the  interior.  ' 

Feeling  her  way  with  her  hands  along  the  wall,  she  ap- 
preached  a  door  at  the  end  of  the  haU,  which  she  .trove  to 
Te"  This,  with  some  difflcUty,  she  sneceeded  m  do.ug; 
.L  entering,  she  found  her«,lt  in  a  high,  lottj  room,  exaeUy 
riaiilar  to  the  one  which  she  had  left. 


"'innniiffir   '■■'■'■■' 


lU 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Proceedingly  cautiously,  step  by  step— for  all  was  still 
profoundly  dark — Kate  discovered,  to  her  surprise,  a  stair- 
case at  the  fartheV  end,  that  seemed  to  lead  down  to  rooms 
below.  Here,  for  the  first  time,  she  hesitated  a  moment ; 
but  curiosity  overpowering  every  other  feeling,  she  slowly 
and  carefully  began  to  descend. 

The  stairs  seemed  to  her  interminable  ;  and  at  length,  with 
a  feeling  of  thanksgiving,  she  found  herself  at  the  bottom, 
and  in  another  long,  gloomy  hall. 

Again  she  hesitated,  and  was  half  inclined  to  turn  back ; 
but  ashamed  to  yield  to  the  strange  feeling  of  dread  that  was 
creeping  over  her,  she  essayed  to  recover  her  be' f- possession, 
and  exclaimed,  half  aloud : 

"  What  nonsense  it  is  to  be  afraid !  I  have  gone  so  far 
without  danger,  and  now  I  will  not  turn  back  until  I  find  out 
all  about  this  queer  old  place.  Perhaps  I  shall  never  have 
the  chance  again — so  I  will  see  where  this  hall  leads  to !" 

Suiting  the  action  to  the  word,  Kate  started  forward,  when 
a  sudden  noise  behind  her  made  her  start,  and  turn  round  in 
alarm.  Nothing  was  to  be  seen,  however ;  and  quieting  her 
fears  with  the  thougbt  that  *'  'twas  only  the  wind,"  she  cau- 
tiously advanced. 

Again  she  heard  the  noise  behind  her ;  this  time  she  could 
not  be  mistaken  ;  it  sounded  like  a  footstep.  Wild  with  ter- 
ror, and  scarcely  knowing  what  she  did,  Kate  fled  like  light- 
ning down  the  long  hall,  when  her  foot  caught  in  a  large 
ring,  fastened  in  the  floor,  and  with  a  piercing  shriek,  sha 
fell  headlong  to  the  ground. 


■^tem 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


145 


-for  all  was  still 
r  surprise,  a  stair- 
!ad  clown  to  rooms 
itated  a  moment; 
Peeling,  she  slowly 

md  at  length,  with 
elf  at  the  bottom, 

aed  to  turn  back ; 
r  of  dread  that  was 
ter  Bel.f ■  possession, 

have  gone  so  far 
ack  until  I  find  out 
[  shall  never  have 
hall  leads  to!" 
ted  forward,  when 

and  turn  round  in 
;  and  quieting  her 
le  wind,"  she  cau- 

this  time  she  conld 
p.  Wild  with  ter- 
[ate  fled  like  light- 
caught  in  a  large 
iercing  shriek,  she 


Before  she  could  rise,  two  hands,  icy-cold,  were  placed 
over  her  mouth  ;  while  a  long,  shrill,  peculiar  whistle  sounded 
behind  her,  waking  a  thousand  dismal  echoes  through  the 

dreary  rooms. 

Stupefied  with  horror,  Kate  was  unable  to  cither  move,  or 
utter  the  least  sound ;  while,  as  the  echoes  died  away,  all 
became  again  profoundly  still,  the  two  icy-cold  hands  still 

holding  her  fast. 

Gradually  part  of  the  floor  beside  her  seemed  moving  away, 
and  Kate  soon  saw  that  «hc  had  tripped  over  the  ring  of  a 
trap-door.  The  door  was  raised  from  below ;  and  still  im- 
movable with  terror,  she  beheld  a  man  standing  on  the  steps, 
holding  a  lantern  in  his  hand,  which  he  raised  aloft  to  pene- 
trate the  darkness. 

Kate  thought  she  had  never  beheld  so  brutal  a  looking  face 
—half  buried  in  huge,  black,  bushy  whiskers  ;  and  a  deadly 
feeling  of  sickness  came  over  her  as  she  thought  into  what 
hands  she  miglit  fall.  She  lifted  her  head  and  gazed  at  her 
captor,  who  was  younger  and  not  so  ferocious  looking  as  the 
other ;  but  there  was  an  evil  light  in  his  eyes,  and  a  fierce, 
sinister  expression  in  his  countenance,  that  made  her  shrink 
from  him  with  a  shudder  of  loathing. 

Her  presentiment  of  danger  was  'fulfilled.  The  old  Moor 
Manor  was  then  inhabited-into  whose  hands  had  she  faUen  I 
—did  her  uncle  know  these  fierce-looking  men  were  here? 

With  lightning-like  rapidity  these  thoughts  flashed  through 
Kate's  mind,  and  with  these  came  back  the  lofty  fortitude 
that  for  a  moment  had  deserted  her.    Now  she  was  certain 

13 


:' 


146  THE  SECRET  SORROW. 

she  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of  villains,  her  fearless  nature 
was  again  calm.  She  would  have  risen,  but  her  captor  held 
her  fast. 

"  Hello,  Simon  !  who's  this?"  said  ti.o  man  on  the  stairs, 
fixing  his  evil  eyes  on  Kate. 

•'A  prisoner  I've  captured.  Come,  get  out  o'  that,  and 
let  us  down.  Here,  my  pretty  wench,  will  you  walk,  or  shall 
we  carry  you  down  stairs  ?"  said  the  gruff  voice  of  her  captor. 

•'  I  will  walk  !"  said  Kate,  shrinking  from  his  outstretched 
hand  with  a  shudder  of  disgust. 

*' All  right;  that'll  save  trouble.  I  like  to  see  a  woman 
have  spunk.  Down  with  you!"  said  the  man,  with  an  in- 
Bolent  leer,  that  made  Kate's  eye  flash  fiercely,  though  she 
did  not  reply. 

Knowing  that  resistence  would  be  madness,  and  that  it 
was  in  vain  to  call  for  help,  Kate  compressed  her  lips  firmly, 
and  turned  to  descend  the  stairs.  Her  captor  followed  her, 
drawing  the  trap-door  after  him,  while  the  other  still  pre- 
ceded them  with  the  light.  They  then  passed  through  several 
gloomy,  vaulted  rooms,  from  the  heavy,  earthy  smell  of 
which  Kate  concluded  she  was  underground.  The  wet,  slimy, 
green  walls  were  dripping  with  moisture — while  horrible 
vermin,  with  which  old  houses  are  infested,  went  crawling 
over  the  floor  in  all  directions,  scared  a»ray  by  the  light. 

Kate  shuddered  with  horror,  as  she  gazed  around ;  and 
shrieked  aloud,  as  a  bat — that  evil  bix-d  of  night — flew  by, 
flapping  its  wings  in  her  face. 

"  Curse  the  bats !  "  said  the  man,  called  Simon,  in  a  tone 


( 


! 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


147 


'  fearless  nature 
i  her  captor  held 

lan  on  the  stairs, 

out  o'  that,  and 
ou  walk,  or  shall 
ice  of  her  captor. 

his  outstretched 

to  see  a  woman 
nan,  with  an  in- 
'cely,  though  she 

less,  and  that  it 
1  her  lips  firmly, 
)r  followed  her, 

other  still  pre- 
l  through  several 
earthy  smell  of 

The  wet,  slimy, 
— while  horrible 
I,  went  crawling 
)y  the  light, 
ed  around ;  and 

night — flew  by, 

Bimon,  in  a  tone 


. 


\*, 


80  fierce  that  Kate  trembled  and  hurried  on  faster  after  her 
guide. 

At  length  the  vaulted  passages  were  left  behind,  they  again 
passed  down  a  few  steps,  and  entered  what  might  once  have 
been  a  dungeon,  when  the  noise  and  uproar  of  a  carousal 
fell  upon  the  ears  of  the  terrified  Kate.  The  guide  advanced, 
and  opening  a  door  at  the  farther  end,  a  blaze  of  light  for  a 
moment  nearly  blinded  her — being  so  long  accustomed  to 
darkness — while  the  sounds  of  jingling  glasses,  oaths,  songs, 
and  bursts  of  hoarse  laughter,  mingled  together  in  wild  up- 
roar. 

Kate  drew  back  sick  with  horror,  as  she  beheld  the  fearful 
den  she  had  entered ;  but  the  man  Simon  gave  her  little  time 
to  hesitate.  Seizing  her  roughly  by  the  arm,  he  forced  her 
forward  until  she  entered  the  room  where  the  carousal  was  at 
its  height.  As  the  eyes  of  the  men  fell  on  her,  every  voice 
was  hushed  in  surprise  ;  and  all  turned  to  Simon,  as  if  seek- 
ing an  explanation. 

Kate  raised  her  head,  and  ventured  to  glance  around.  The 
room  was  like  all  the  others  in  the  old  manor — high  and  lofty 
— with  stone  walls,  floor,  and  ceiling.  A  huge  fire  glowed 
and  roared  in  an  enormous  fire-place,  'and  rendered  every- 
thing around  as  clear  as  at  noonday.  Rough  slab  benches 
were  ranged  around  the  walls,  and  formed  its  only  article  of 
furniture.  A  long  table,  extending  from  one  end  of  the  room 
tb  the  other,  stood  in  the  middle  of  the  floor,  covered  with 
bottles,  glasses,  jars,  and  steaming  pitchers  of  hot  water. 
Around  this  was  seated  nearly  thirty  men — a  fierce,  dark. 


^^^^jHaSjpj.,      "TF". 


L 


i^ 


«(!'■ 


m 


'.•i 


!fv 


148 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


blood-thirsty-looking  crew — from  whoso  nautical  air  Kate  at 
once  knew  tlicm  to.be  sailors.  All  were  armed  with  pistols 
and  daggers  stuck  in  their  belts  ;  and  oh !  the  feeling  of  sick- 
ening terror  that  made  Kate  stagger  against  the  wall  as  the 
dreadful  conviction  that  she  had  fallen  into  a  den  of  pirates 
or  smugglers  forced  itself  ou  her  mind.  At  the  head  of  the 
board  stood  an  elevated  seat,  empty  now,  but  which  seemed 
evidently  designed  for  some  one  of  higher  rank  than  the 
others.  The  man  Simon  cast  his  eyes  towards  this,  then 
turning  to  the  others,  demanded : 

"  Where's  the  captain  ?" 

*'  Syra  came  for  him  a  few  moments  ago,"  answered  a 
young  man,  somewhat  less  savage-looking  than  his  compan- 
ions.    "  Shall  I  go  after  hiri?" 

"  No,  you  needn't  mind  ;  hand  me  the  jar — I'm  dying  o' 
thirst.  Here's  to  your  good  health,  ray  dear,"  said  the  man, 
with  another  insolent  leer  towards  his  prisoner. 

Kate's  cheek  crimsoned,  and  her  eyes  flashed  fieicely  as  she 
drew  herself  up  and  stood  looking  with  lofty  scorn  on  the 
savage-looking  revellers. 

"  By  George,  she's  a  rum  'un !"  remarked  one  of  the  men, 
with  a  coarse  laugh.  "  Say,  my  dear,  won't  you  taste  this !" 
and  he  held  out  toward  her  a  brimming  goblet  of  brandy. 

"  Where  did  you  get  her,  Simon?"  inquired  half  a  dozen 
voices  at  once. 

"  Here,  Bill,  the  jug's  empty — fill  it  again  !"  said  Simon, 
without  paying  any  attention  to  his  interrogators,  and  hand* 
ing  the  empty  jug  across  the  table.     "  Go  on  with  yom'  sing- 


I 


.utical  air  Kate  at 
rraed  with  pistols 
he  feeling  of  sick- 
st  the  wall  as  the 
>  a  deu  of  pirates 
it  the  head  of  the 
but  which  seemed 
er  rank  than  the 
rO wards  this,  then 


ago/'  answered  a 
than  his  compan- 

jar — I'm  dying  o' 
ir,"  said  the  man, 
ner. 

ihedfieicely  as  she 
of  ty  scorn  on  the 

id  one  of  the  men, 
't  you  taste  this!" 
Diet  of  brandy, 
ired  half  a  dozen 

lin !"  said  Simon, 
gators,  and  hand* 
on  with  youi'  sing- 


I 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


14^ 


'» 


mm^ 


ing,  Jack,"  ho  added,  turning  to  another ;  "  I'll  tell  you  al- 
about  it  when  the  captain  comes." 

"  !Sing  us  our  own  song,  Jack  !"  called  half  a  dozen  voices 
together.     "  Hurrah  for  the  pirate's  soiig  !" 

The  man  addressed  as  Jack,  a  fierce,  powerful-looking  brig- 
and, drained  a  glass  of  brandy  ;  then  throwing  himself  back 
in  his  chair,  he  sang,  in  a  powerful  voice : 

THE  PIRATE'S  SONG. 

"  To  the  mast  nail  our  flag— it  is  dark  as  the  grave, 

Or  tlie  death  which  it  bears  while  it  sweeps  o'er  the  wave— 

Let  our  deck  ulcar  for  action — our  guns  be  prepared ; 

Be  the  boarding-axe  sharpened,  the  cimeter  bared; 

Set  the  canisters  ready ;  and  then  bring  to  me, 

For  the  last  of  my  duties,  the  powder-room  key. 

It  shall  never  he  lowered— tlie  black  flag  we  bear; 

If  the  sea  be  denied  us,  we  sweep  through  the  air. 

'*  Unshared  we  have  left  our  last  victory's  prey — 
It  is  mine  to  divide  it,  and  yours  to  obey. 
Here  are  shawls  that  might  suit  a  sultana's  white  neck, 
And  pearls  that  are  fair  as  the  arms  they  will  deck ; 
There  are  flasks  which — unseal  them  the  air  will  disclose 
Diametta's  fair  summers — the  home  of  the  rose. 
I  claim  not  a  portion ;  I  ask  but  as  mine — 
'Tis  to  drink,  to  our  victory,  one  cup  rff  red  wine. 

"  Some  flght — 'tis  for  riches :  some  fight — 'tis  for  fame ; 
The  first  I  despise,  and  the  last  is  a  name. 
I  fight — 'tis  for  vengeance  1    I  love  to  see  flow. 
At  the  stroke  of  my  saber,  the  life  of  my  foe, 
I  strike  for  the  memory  of  long  vanished  years — 
I  only  shed  blood  where  another  sheds  tears. 
I  come  as  the  lightning  comes  red  from  above, 
O'er  the  race  that  I  loathe,  to  the  battle  I  love." 

13* 


■I 


liSO 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


"  Hurrah  I  hjrrah  for  the  pirate's  song!  Hurrah  for  the 
battle  we  love  !"  shouted  every  one  present,  as  wild  with  ex- 
citement and  brandy,  they  arose  to  their  feet  and  waved  their 
glasses  above  their  heads. 

"What  now,  my  men?  You  seem  more  than  usually 
boisterous  this  evening,"  called  a  dear,  commanding  voice 
at  this  moment,  as  a  young  man  suddenly  made  his  appear- 
ance among  them,  and  took  the  vacant  seat  at  the  head  of 
the  table. 

"Hurrah  for  Captain  Raymond!  Long  live  our  rover 
chief!"  shouted  the  men,  as  with  one  voice,  maddened  by 
excitement. 

"Thank  you,  my  lads,  'Free  as  air!'  shall  ever  be  our 
motto— the  broad  ocean  our  home— our  good  swoida  our  law ; 
with  no  master  but  strong  wine,  and  no  mistress  but  our  gal- 
lant bark  !"  answered  the  young  rover  chief,  with  a  kindling 
eye. 

Ihere  was  something  in  his  tone  that  bespoke  him  different 
from  the  rest— a  cer+ain  air  of  refinement  and  cultivation, 
mingled  with  a  lof^y  consciousness  of  command  and  superior- 
ity. Kate,  whom  the  pirates  seemed  to  have  almost  for- 
gotten, lifted  iier  head  and  surveyed  him  earnestly. 

In  persoa,  he  was  tall,  slight,  and  perfectly  symmetrical— 
with  au  air  of  easy  grace  and  dignity  that  stamped  him  far 
above  his  calling.  His  countenance,  bronzed  slightly  by  ex- 
posure to  wind  and  sun,  was  strikingly  handsome  ;  and  when 
he  smile..,  there  was  a  winning  sweetness  in  his  look  that 
impressed  Kate  deeply.    His  forehead— high,   broad,  and 


] 


"T- 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Iftl 


!  Hurrah  for  the 
it,  as  wild  with  ex- 
Dct  and  waved  their 

more  than  usually 
commanding  voice 
1  made  his  appcar- 
eat  at  the  head  of 

ng  live  our  rover 
5ice,  maddened  by 

shall  ever  be  our 
od  swoids  our  law ; 
istress  but  our  gal- 
ef ,  with  a  kindling 

;poke  him  different 
t  and  cultivation, 
nand  and  superior- 
have  almost  for- 
arnestl}'. 

3tly  symmetrical — 
;  stamped  him  far 
zed  slightly  by  ex- 
idsome ;  and  when 
in  his  look  that 
■high,   broad,  and 


\ 


very  white — showed  how  fair  his  natural  complexion  was ; 
while  his  fair  hair  clustered  in  short,  crisp  curls  around  it. 
But  to  Kate,  the  chief  attraction  was  his  eyes — largo  and 
"  darkly,  beautifully  blue  " — that  ever  wandered  around  with 
a  keen,  quick,  restless  glance.  His  air  of  quiet  superiority 
showed  how  perfect  his  command  over  his  men  was,  together 
with  the  innate  consciousness  of  being  their  superior.  Kate 
did  not  wonder  how  he — the  youngest,  apparently,  of  that 
band— could  have  become  its  commander ;  it  was  merely  the 
triumph  of  mind  over  matter — the  triumph  of  education  and 
refinement  over  their  animal  natures. 

Kate  thought,  as  she  gazed,  she  had  never  beheld  a  more 
perfect  specimen  of  manly  beauty.  Handsome,  indeed,  he 
was,  with  "  roan's  best  beauty  ;"  but  could  one  who  looked 
to  be  so  perfect  a  gentleman — one  of  Nature's  own  princes 
— be  the  dreadful  pirate-chieftain  of  whom  she  had  heard 
such  fearful  stories  ? — whom  she  had  heard  represented  as  a 
demon  in  human  form  ?  Could  this  be  the  daring,  fearless 
rover-chief.  Captain  Raymond? 

Suddenly  his  eye  fell  upon  Kate  who  setmed  in  a  fair  way 
of  being  forgotten  by  the  whole  party,  and  he  arose  to  his 
feet,  with  a  look  of  utter  amazement.  'His  men  followed  the 
direction  of  his  eye,  and  unanimously  t  ^claimed : 

"  Come,  Simon,  you've  to  tell  us  yet  how  you  got  the  girl. 
Quick— out  with  it,  man  !" 

"  How  came  this  woman  here?"  demanded  the  young  cap- 
tain, turning  his  eyes  from  one  to  the  other,  io  com])lete 
astoulslmi  at. 


*:. 


162 


THE  8FXRET  SORROW. 


'^i'' 


I:      ;    . 


•«  Simon  Crow  brought  licr  here.  Toll  us  1  ow  you  got  her, 
Simon  !"  chorused  8e\eral  of  the  party. 

Captain  Raymond  turned  hi.'i  eyes  iuquiringly  on  Simon. 

"Well,  you  see,  captain,"  began  the  man.  "I  was,  as 
usual  {foing  lound  up  aloft,  watching  our  new  lodgers,  you 
know,  when  T  hears,  all  of  a  sudden,  a  great  buzz  ;  and  a 
minute  after,  the  door  was  hauled  open,  aud  this  wench  hero 
was  launched  clean  into  the  room  where  I  was.  I  kept  dark, 
thinking  she'd  stay  quietly  where  she  was ;  but,  instead  of 
that,  she  starts  on  a  voyage — to  sec  where  she'd  come  out,  I 
suppose.  I  followed  her  as  softly  as  possible  ;  but  at  last  she 
heard  me,  and  hoisting  all  sail,  she  scud  before  tlio  wind  ;  but 
her  foot  caught  on  the  trap-door,  and  she  came  down  on  her 
beam-ends.  I  tackled  on  to  her,  and  whistled  for  Jack,  and 
we  brought  her  here  ;  so  that's  all  about  it."    " 

During  Simon's  oxplauation,  the  pirate  chief  had  kept  his 
eyes  fixed  on  Kate.  Then  he  advanced  toward  her,  and  said, 
ill  the  courteous  tone  of  a  gcatlcman  : 

"  I  sincerely  regret  this  unlucky  adventure,  madam,  as 
you  have  probably  been  greatly  alarmed.  I  must  apologi^.9 
for  any  rudeness  that  :nay  have  been  offered  to  you  by  any 
of  my  men.     They  are  little  used  to  the  society  of  ladies." 

'•'So  I  perceive,"  said  Kate,  scornfully ;  "and  the  best 
way  for  you  to  atone  for  their  insolence  is,  to  give  me  my 
liberty  immediately. ' ' 

"  Don't  captain  !  She  will  turn  informer !"  shouted  every 
one  present,  siuuiltaneously. 

"  Silence !"  said  the  piiate  captain,  with  a  sudden  flash  of 


'V 


■MM 


mfr- 


IS  1  ow  you  got  her, 

lingly  on  Simon, 
man.  "I  was,  as 
•  new  lodgers,  you 
?rcjit  buzz  ;  and  a 
ud  this  i^cnch  here 
was.  I  kept  dark, 
as  ;  but,  instead  of 
I  she'd  conic  out,  I 
blc  ;  but  at  last  she 
iforo  the  wind  ;  but 
came  down  on  her 
itled  for  Jack,  and 

chief  had  kept  his 
ivard  her,  and  said, 

;nture,  madam,  as 
I  must  apologise 
red  to  you  by  any 
cicty  of  ladies." 
y  i  "and  the  best 
is,  to  give  me  my 

!r !"  shouted  every 

li  a  sudden  flash  of 


1 


THE  SECKET  SORROW. 


168 


bis  blue  eye,  and  in  p.  tone  that  made  the  boldest  quail. 
Every  voice  was  instantaneously  hushed  ;  and,  as  if  satisflod 
nt  tills  proof  of  his  iiower,  ho  turned  once  more  to  Kate,  and 
said,  with  grave  courtesy  : 

«•  I  am  sorry  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  comply  with  your  re- 
quest. Neither  I  nor  my  men  would  feel  safe  in  this  our  re- 
treat, afterward.  In  short,  madam,  it  is  my  painful  duty  to 
anuounce  to  you  that  you  must  remain  with  us— at  least  untU 
such  time  as  tliis  place  will  be  .lescrted  by  us." 

"  You  have  no  right  to  make  ine  your  prisoner,"  said  Kate, 
Indignantly,  "  and  I  demand  my  freedom.  A  brave  set  of 
men  you  must  be,  to  lay  in  wait  to  entrap  defenseless  women. 
It  is  au  action  worthy  a  band  of  outlaws." 

A  subdued  but  llercc  murmur  ran  round  the  circle  at 
Kate's  daring  words,  but  no  one  dared  express  their  anger 

aloud. 

There  was  a  sudden  gleam  in  the  young  captain's  eyes,  but 
he  repressed  ^dl  signs  of  anger,  and  said,  quietly  : 

"  Allow  me  to  set  you  right,  madam.  We  did  not  entrap 
you  ;  you  threw  yourself  in  our  power.  And,"  (here  he  low- 
ered his  voice),  "  let  me  beg  you  to  use  more  respectful  lan- 
guage when  speaking  of  us.  There  is  a  spirit  in  my  men  that 
your  words  will  be  apt  to  arouse,  and  which  I  may  find  it 
difficult  to  subdue." 

Kate  felt  she  had  been  imprudent ;  but  she  deigned  him  no 
reply,  and  stood  as  haughtily  erect  before  them  as  though 
she  had  been  their  queen. 

"  Every  comfort  in  our  power  will  be  yours  while  you  are 


4:^-:_li 


154 


THE  sErnr.T  Ronnow. 


with  lift,"  oontinnod  the  young  onptjiin  ;  "  and  now,  may  I 
ask  by  wlmt  nan>c  we  iiro  to  luMrcss  our  fair  prisonor?" 

•'I  nm  cnlli'd  KaU",  Sidney,  and  I  cnnic  of  a  family  that 
are  not  to  bo  in.Hiillid  tliiiH,  witli  iini»iinity.  IVrhai)  i  Ihoy  will 
one  day  make  yoii  repent  thi^i  I"  said  Kate,  proudly. 

Another  fierce  growl  of  rage,  at  this*  insult  to  their  chief, 
ran  around  the  table.  Every  oyo  was  directed  toward  the 
fearless  girl,  who  stood  i)roudly  erect,  looking  down  haugh. 
tily  and  scornfully  on  those  by  whom  she  was  surrounded, 
and  from  lier  to  the  young  chief,  who  li.ad  suddenly  grown 
very  pale.  This,  the  only  sign  of  his  cmotiou,  passed  in  a 
Uiomcnt,  and  he  said,  calmly  : 

"  I  have  heard  of  Miss  Sidney's  family,  and  I  am  convinced 

from  what  I  have  heard  of  herself,  that  she  will  not  break  a 

promise,  if  once  given.     Promise  me,  then,  never  to  breathe 

a  word  of  what  yon  Lave  heard  and  seen  here  to-night,  and 

you  shall  the  next  momcut  go  forth,  free  as  the  winds  of 

ft 
heaven." 

A  fierce  murmcr  of  disapprobation,  louder  than   before, 

came  from  the  pirates,  p,t  this.     Captain  Raymond  turned 

suddenly  round,  and  fixed  his  eyes  upon  them,  with  a  look 

which,  in  spite  of  themselves,  compelled  obedience ;  and  they 

sulkily  relapsed  into  silence.     A  slight  smile,  at  this  evidence 

of  his  powc  ',  flitted  for  a  moment  across  his  handsome  face, 

and  turning  to  Kate,  he  said,  with  calm  courtesy : 

"  I  await  your  answer,  Miss  Sidney.     "Will  you  promise?" 

"  AIj/"  said  Kate,  scornfully  ;  "not  to  save  myself  from 

death — much  less  imprisonment — would  I  league  myself  with 


"  and  now,  mny  I 

fail"  i>iison(>r?" 
mio  of  II  fiiniily  tUiU 
,  lVrlun)M  thoy  will 
p,  prondly. 
insult  to  their  chief, 
tliiocteil  toward  the 
oking  down  liaugh* 
ho  waa  siuroiuulcd, 
had  suddenly  grown 
niotiou,  passed  in  a 

,  nnd  I  am  convinced 
3hc  will  not  break  a 
jn,  never  to  breathe 
sn  here  to-night,  and 
free  as  the  winds  of 

louder  than  before, 
un  Raymond  turned 
3n  them,  with  a  look 
obedience ;  and  they 
mile,  at  this  evidence 
)  his  handsome  face, 
courtesy : 

"Will  you  promise?" 
to  save  myself  from 
I  league  myself  with 


THE  SKCRET  BORROW 


ft  band  of  outlawed  rovois.  The  very  moment  I  am  free, 
that  same  moment  will  I  give  information  of  your  liiding- 
plaec.  that  you  may  bo  dealt  with  as  you  deserve  by  the  laws 
you  have  so  long  violated.  I  will  consider  myself  doing  au 
act  of  Justice  to  the  world,  to  rid  it  of  a  band  of  robbers  and 
murderers  I" 

"  Death  to  the  Jezebel !"  shouted  the  pirates,  rising  to  their 
feet  fiercely,  and  seizing  their  swords. 

•'  Silence  I"  commanded  the  rover  chief,  sternly,  drawing  a 
pistol  from  his  belt;  "  the  llrst  man  who  again  presumes  to 
speak,  I  will  shoot  down  like  a  dog  I" 

There  was  a  look  of  fierce  resoluti(jn  on  his  face  that  again 
made  them  quail— perhaps  they  had  seen  the  threat  kept 
before.     All  slunk  silently  back  to  their  scats,  like  whipped 

curs. 

"  Girl !"  he  said,  turning  sternly  to  Kate,  "  you  seem  de- 
termined to  provoke  your  death.  Once  more  I  ask  you,  will 
you  promise  what  I  desire,  and  go  forth  free?" 

"  Once  again."  replied  Kate,  with  grim  resolution,  "  I  an- 
swer you — no.'" 

"  Can  nothing  induce  you  to  consent?  Remember,  you 
may  be  obliged  to  stay  with  us  for  years,"  said  Captain 
Raymond. 

Kate  thought  of  Alice,  and  turned  pale ;  but  a  resolution 
once  taken  by  her  no  power  on  earth  could  alter.  She  there- 
fore looked  up  steadily  in  his  handsome  face,  and  answered 

firmly : 

«» It  is  all  useless,  sir — I  will  never  consent ;  and  so  soon 


~  ■  ;'.si«9WMW». 


^ 

T^^*" 


jimiitw'm^^-*:'*  ■^fff-r 


f+l»i-:-r'-' 


mm*' 


156 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


•if  - 
if ; . 


as  I  am  free,  just  so  soon  will  I  give  infortnation  against 
you.     I  can  promise  nothing  to  such  as  you  !" 

She  glanced  scornfully  around  on  the  long  array  of  dark 
scowling  faces,  that  looked  the  rage  they  dare  not  speak. 

"  Then  you  must  stay  with  us,"  said  the  captain,  slowly — 
almost  sorrowfully.  "  I  am  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  retain  you 
a  prisoner ;  but  you  compe'  me  to  do  so.  For  the  last  time, 
I  ask  you  again,  will  you  nov  change  your  mind?" 

An  angry  flash  of  her  eye,  and  an  impatient  wave  of  her 
hand,  was  Kate's  sole  answer. 

«'  Be  it  so.  then,"  lie  said,  calmly,  "  follow  me." 

Kate  moved  after  him  to  the  farther  end  of  the  apartment. 
Here  he  touched  a  spring,  and  a  conceiled  door  flew  open. 
He  passed  through.  Kate  followed,  and  the  door  closed  noise- 
lessly between  them  and  the  pirate  crsw. 


n 


(7. 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


167 


information  against 
,-ou !" 

3  long  array  of  dark^ 
f  dare  not  speak, 
he  captain,  slowly — 

obliged  to  retain  you 
.    For  tlie  last  time, 
ir  mind?" 
patient  wave  of  her 

ollow  me." 
nd  of  the  apartment, 
lied  door  flew  open. 
;he  door  closed  no:se- 


CHAPTER  Xm. 

STBA. 

"  A  maid  whom  there  are  none  to  praise. 
And  very  few  to  loTe." 

Hi  If  •  *  * 

"  A  violet  by  a  mossy  stone, 

Half  hidden  from  the  eye, 
Fair  as  a  star  when  only  ono 

Is  shining  in  the  sky." — WordswortW. 

Fob  a  few  moments  Kate  stood  gazing  around  her,  scarce- 
ly able  to  credit  her  senses.  The  scene  that  here  met  her 
eye  was  i-o  completely  different  from  that  she  had  just  left, 
that  it  was  no  wonder  she  was  completely  bewildered.  In- 
stead of  the  rough  stone  floor  she  had  left,  she  now  stood  on 
a  rich  Turkey  carpet ;  instead  of  the  rude  benches  she  beheld 
luxurious  sofas  and  ottomans ;  instead  of  the  damp,  bare 
walls,  this  room  was  hung  with  elegant  pictures,  while  ex- 
quisitely beautiful  statutes  were  grouped  around  in  every  di- 
rection. A  large  and  handsome  lamp,  suspended  from  the 
ceiling,  lighted  up  this  elegant  apartment.  A  marble-topped 
center-table  stood  in  the  middle  of  the  floor,  covered  with 
books,  and  a  mimic  fountain  of  perfumed  water  stood  in  an- 
other corner,  filling  the  room  with  fragrance.  Cages  filled 
with  bright,  foreign  birds,  whose  gorgeous  plumage  flashed  in 

14 


W      


4. 


I 


.1 


( 


vJ 


158 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


the  light,  hung  around  in  various  directions.  A  little  stair- 
case of  four  or  five  steps  was  at  the  end  of  the  apartment, 
evidently  leading  to  another  room,  whicli  was  concealed  from 
view  by  two  heavy  curtains  of  green  velvet.  Full-length  mir- 
rors were  ranged  all  around,  reflecting  the  room  and  its  in- 
mates in  every  direction,  and  bewildering  any  one,  on  sud- 
denly entering,  by  seeing  the  countless  apartments  by  which 
they  were  surrounded. 

Kate  was  absolutely  overwhelmed  with  surprise,  and  stood 
gazing,  first  around  her,  and  then  turning  to  the  young  cap- 
tain, half  in  doubt  whether  he  were  not  an  enchanter,  who 
had  suddenly  decorated  the  apartment  by  his  magic  skill.  He 
noticed  her  bdV^ildered  look,  and  a  half-smile  broke  over  his 
handsome  face,  as  he  rang  a  musical  little  silver  bell  that  stood 
on  the  table. 

The  summons  was  answered  by  a  young  girl  so  beautiful, 
that  Kate  stood  gazing  upon  her  as  one  might  look  on  some 
radiant  vision  from  another  world.  And  yet  her  beauty  was 
not  spiritual,  not  such  as  we  conceive  angels  to  be.  It  was  a 
beauty  wholly  and  entirely  of  this  world — of  middle  height, 
with  an  exquisitely  proportioned  figure,  dark,  oval  face,  large, 
melting,  languishing,  liquid,  jet-black  eyes  ;  hair  of  that  rare 
glossy  black  so  seldom  seen,  but  so  very  beautiful,  hung  in 
soft,  wavy  tresses,  like  raveled  silk,  around  her  low,  polished 
forehead.  The  rich  flush  that  gives  so  much  beauty  to  the 
brunette  glowed  on  cheek  and  lip,  and  every  movement  was 
instinct  with  grace.  And  yet  the  large,  dark,  oriental  eyes 
bad  in  them  a  look  of  sleepy  wickedness  that  made  Kate  draw 


p^ 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


159 


ons.  A  little  stair- 
1  of  the  apartment, 
was  oonccalcd  from 
t.  Full-length  mir- 
lie  rooru  and  its  iu- 
5  any  one,  on  sud- 
partments  by  which 

surprise,  and  stood 

g  to  the  young  cap- 

an  enchanter,  who 

his  magic  skill.  He 

mile  broke  over  his 

silver  bell  that  stood 

ng  girl  so  beautiful, 
night  look  on  some 
I  yet  her  beauty  was 
jcls  to  be.  It  was  a 
1 — of  middle  height, 
ark,  oval  face,  large, 
es  ;  hair  of  that  rare 
y  beautiful,  hung  in 
md  her  low,  polished 
much  beauty  to  the 
very  movement  was 
,  dark,  oriental  eyes 
that  made  Kate  draw 


back  ;  it  was  as  if  gazing  on  a  beautiful  serpent — she  had  for- 
gotten it  could  sting.  The  hot  blood  of  the  fircy  South  ran 
in  those  veins,  it  was  easy  to  see. 

The  young  girl  came  gliding  forward,  bowed  low,  then 
crossing  her  arms  on  her  bosom,  stood  with  her  eyes  fixed  on 
the  floor,  the  long,  silken,  black  lashes  resting  on  her 
crimson  cheeks  like  dark  fringe,  waiting  until  he  should 
speak. 

"  Syra,"  said  the  young  captain,  "you  will  consider  this 
young  lady  your  mistress  while  she  remains  here.  Let  her 
want  for  nothing,  and  remember  to  treat  her  with  the  utmost 
respect.  I  will  surrender  my  apartment  to  her  while  she  re- 
mains." 

«'  Captain  Raymond  shall  be  obeyed,"  answered  the  young 
girl,  quietly,  without  looking  up. 

"Very  good.     Adieu  for  the  present,  Miss  Sidney." 

He  bowed,  and  turned  away.  Syra  lifted  her  dark  eyes, 
and  stood  watching  him  until  he  vanished  through  the  secret 
door.  Then,  turning  to  Kate,  she  said,  in  the  low,  musical 
voice  in  which  she  spoke  : 

"  Perhaps  you  would  like  to  retire,  my  mistress.  If  so,  I 
will  show  you  to  your  room." 

"  If  you  please,"  said  Kate,  rising  to  follow  her,  and  won- 
dering at  the  little  surprise  she  manifested  at  her  sudden  ap- 
pearance. 

Syra  led  the  way  toward  the  short  stair-case,  drew  aside 
one  of  the  rich  curtains,  saying,  as  she  did  so : 

"  This  was  Captain  Raymond's  chamber ;  but  he  has  re- 


I- 


w 


l'[ 


160 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


signed  it  to  you.  If  you  wish  for  anything  during  the  night, 
please  to  ring. 

Kate, nodded, and  entered  the  chamber.  It  was  f  urnislied  al- 
most similarly  to  the  one  she  had  left,  save  that  one  corner  was 
occupied  by  a  bed,  hung  around  with  heavy,  dark  curtains. 

Kate  threw  herself  on  a  couch,  and,  covering  her  face  with 
her  hands,  gave  way  to  the  bitter  thoughts  that  came  surging 
through  her  mind.  Now,  for  the  first  time,  the  full  loneli- 
ness of  her  situation  broke  upon  her  mind.  Away,  under- 
ground, where  she  could  never  possibly  be  discovered,  with- 
out the  slightest  chance  of  escape,  her  friends  all  ignorant  of 
her  fate,  in  the  hands  of  a  band  of  lawless  pirates,  poor 
Kate's  fate  seemed  dark  enough  And  then  Alice — poor,  un- 
complaining, suffering  Alice — she,  too,  must  remain  in  the 
power  of  the  earl,  without  the  chance  of  being  rescued ;  for 
it  was  almost  certain  the  earl  would  hear  of  her  visit,  and 
then  take  measures  to  see  that  it  was  not  repeated.  And  so 
Alice  would  be  left  alone,  if  the  servants  were  taken  from 
her,  which  Kate  felt  certain  would  be  the  case  as  soon  as 
what  they  had  done  was  discovered.  Overcome  by  her  own 
bitter  thoughts,  Kate's  feelings  found  vent  in  a  passionate 
flood  of  tears. 

Exhausted  at  length,  Kate  sat  up,  and,  taking  one  of  the 
books  from  the  table,  strove  to  read,  in  order  to  divert  her 
thoughts.  It  was  an  old  volume  of  ballads — quaint,  but 
sweet.  As  she  opened  it,  her  eye  fell  upon  a  page  marked 
in  pencil,  most  probably  by  the  hand  of  the  young  captain 
himself.     Kate  read : 


.'! 


I 
Pi 


.*  ■'«,^'*?1gN'S^SB^^©J5Wfe*'>1 


y  during  the  night, 

It  was  furnished  al- 
that  one  corner  was 
y,  dark  curtains. 
5ring  her  face  with 
that  came  surging 
me,  the  full  loneli- 
id.  Away,  under- 
e  discovered,  with- 
nds  all  ignorant  of 
(vless  pirates,  poor 
in  Alice — poor,  un- 
lust  remain  in  the 
being  rescued ;  for 
"  of  her  visit,  and 
repeated.  And  so 
I  were  taken  from 
le  case  as  soon  as 
rcome  by  her  own 
it  in  a  passionate 

taking  one  of  the 
jrder  to  divert  her 
Uads — quaint,  but 
)on  a  page  marked 
the  young  captaia 


THt:  SECRET  SORROW.  161 

"  Well,  well,  I  say  no  more, 

Let  dead  care  for  dead  ; 
Yet  woo  is  me !     Tlioreforo 

I  must  attempt  to  load 
One  other  kynde  of  life 

Than  liitlierto  I  Iiave ; 
Or  else  this  pain  and  strife 

Will  bring  me  to  my  grave." 

And  underneath  was  written : 

"  The  trees  do  spring,  yet  are  not  seen  to  growe, 
And  shadows  move,  altliough  they  seem  to  stay, 
In  winter's  woe  is  buried  summer's  bliss, 
And  love  loves  most,  when  love  most  secret  is." 

Kate  sighed,  and,  closing  the  book,  leaned  her  head  upon 
her  hand,  and  fell  to  speculating  as  to  what  could  have  re- 
duced one  so  young,  so  handsome,  so  evidently  accomplished, 
to  become  the  leader  of  a  gang  of  outlaws.  That  at  some 
period  of  his  life  he  had  been  a  gentleman,  she  fplt  certain — 
an  indescribable  something  in  his  air  and  mannt  'onvinccd 
her  of  it.  Something,  too,  she  could  not  accou-il  for,  drew 
her  forcibly  to  him,  a  sort  of  hazy  idea  that  she  had  seen  him 
somewhere  before,  filled  her  mind — his  face  seemed  familiar 
like  the  faces  one  sees  in  dreams  ;  but.  notliing  seemed  defi- 
nite, nothing  tangible.  And  this  dark,  beautiful  girl — who 
could  she  be?  his  sister  perhaps.  But  a  moment's  'bought 
convinced  her  that  was  simply  impossible,  besides  the  dissim- 
ilarity of  form  and  feature,  his  manner  of  addressing  her  was 
more  that  of  a  master  addressing  a  servant,  than  a  brother  to 
a  sister. 


amvp^-' 


F""*  J1JI«U. 


163 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Tii-ed  at  lost  of  spectilating,  without  being  able  to  come  to 
any  conclusion,  Kate  threw  herself  upon  the  bed,  and  in  a  few 
moments  was  buried  in  profound  slumber,  from  which  she 
did  not  wake  until  late  the  following  morning. 

A  noise  by  her  bedside  awoke  her,  and  springing  up,  she 
beheld  an  old,  jet-black  negress,  standing  beside  her,  holding 
a  waiter  with  coffee  and  toast.  Kate  was  for  a  moment 
startled  by  the  sight,  but  a  second  glance  at  the  old  woman's 
good-humored  ebony  countenance  reassured  her. 

"Law,  misses!  I'se  sorry  fur  ter  'sturb  yer,  child,"  said 
the  old  woman,  drawing  a  little  table  near  the  bedside,  and 
placing  the  waiter  on  it;  "  but  Marse  Cappen,  he  wouldn't 
guv  me  no  peace  till  I'd  fetch  yer  some  brekfas.  Eat  away 
now,  honey,  you  won't  git  anything  to  beat  dat  ar  coffee." 
"  Who  are  you  ;"  said  Kate,  quietly. 
"  Lor',  child,  I's  only  old  Aunt  Moll— I  isn't  nobody  of 
no  kinsoquince — 'spect  yer  tought  I  was  missis  here — he,  he, 
he !"  and  Aunt  Moll  indulged  in  a  gleeful  chuckle. 

"  Who  is  that  handsome  young  girl  I  saw  here  last  night? 
Is  she  your  mistress?"  inquired  Kate. 

"  My  missis  !  she!  O  Lor'  I  He,  he,  he !"  and  evidently 
thinking  the  question  a  good  joke,  Aunt  Moll  laughed  till  the 
tears  ran  down  her  fat,  shiny  black  cheeks.  "  Why,  laws, 
misses,  dat  ar  was  only  Syra,  my  granddarter,  dat's  all.  She 
my  misses !     O  Lor' !     He,  he,  he !" 

"Your  granddaughter !"  echoed  Kate,  in  surprise.  "Is 
she  then  only  a  servant?" 

"  'Deed  she  is— dat's  all  1   She's  powerful  handaom'  dough, 


w. 

icing  able  to  come  to 
the  l)cd,  iind  in  a  few 

ber,  from  which  she 

irning. 

nd  springing  up,  she 

ig  beside  her,  holding 
was  for  a  moment 

;e  at  the  old  woman's 

ured  her. 

turb  yer,  child,"  said 

lear  the  bedside,  and 
Cappen,  he  wouldn't 

s  brekfas.     Eat  away 

beat  dat  ar  coffee." 

.1 — I  isn't  nobody  of 
8  missis  here — he,  he, 
ful  chuckle. 
[  saw  here  last  night? 

!,  he!"  and  evidently 
t  Moll  laughed  till  the 
lieeks.  "  Why,  laws, 
[darter,  dat's  all.    She 

kte,  in  surprise.     ''Is 

erfulhandsom'  dough, 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


168 


is  Syra.  Lor', misses,  we's'bin  here  ebber  so  long  wid  young 
massa  Cappen.  'Deed  we  is,  chile ;  powerful  lonesura  'tis 
heic,  'cept  when  dem  ar  rip,  stavin,  tarrifying,  1  randy- 
driukin'  sailors  is  here.  I'd  jest  'sign  my  sitivation  long 
ago,  if  it  wa'n't  for  young  Massa  Cappen ;  for  dem  ar 
screechin',  roarin'  set's  'nuff  to  make  any  'spcctable,  age- 
ble  old  wooman  like  I  is,  go  right  off  and  heave  demselves 
away  ;  but  young  Massa  Cappen,  ho  allers  says,  '  Moll,  you 
poor  ole  debbil,  ycr  know  we  can't  do  widout  yer,'  so  I  jes' 
stays  fur  to  please  him :  but  if  dem  ar  tarrifyin  ole  high- 
binders stays  here,  I'll  jcs'  'sign  my  sitivation— dar !" 

Kate  smiled,  in  spite  of  herself,  at  the  old  woman's  quaint 
language,  which  was  almost  new  to  her ;  and  her  curiosity 
being  aroused  to  learn  further,  she  inquired : 

"  And  may  I  ask,  my  good  aunty,  how  yon  came  here  first, 

since  I  suppose  you  have  not  been  always  with  the  pirates?" 

"  O  Lor' !"  said  Aunt  Moll  sitting  down,  and  wiping  the 

perspiration,  off  her  face  ;  "  we  done  come  from  a  long  piece 

away — from  Cuba,  if  you  ever  he&ra  lell  of  sich  a  place." 

Kate  having  signified  that  she  possessed  that  much  geo- 
graphical knowledge,  Aunt  Molly  continued : 

"  We  b'longed  to  an  ole  planter,  me  and  Syra.  You  see, 
misses,  Syra's  mother  was  my  darter ,-an'  she  wer'  <i  mullat- 
ter,  powerful  handsom',  too,  she  war  jes'  like  Syra.  Well, 
a  few  years,  when  Syra  was  'bout  fourteen,  ole  massa  died, 
and  his  misses,  she  wanted  to  sell  off  all  de  sarvints,  an'  de 
old  place.  Well,  dey  put  me  an'  Syra  up  at  auction  with  the 
rest,  an'  I  hopin'  dey'd  sell  us  bof  togecKier.    But  dey  didn't. 


■ss:««f=«* 


ir 

i 


1  i^  ^ 

i' 


164 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


1 


One  olo  feller  got  her,  an'  a  sugar  planter  bought  me.  Oh, 
mi;  SC8,  I  tought  I'd  die  den  ;  I  hadn't  nobody  in  de  worl'  to 
lovi:  only  Syra,  an'  when  I  seed  them  takin'  her  off,  I  jes' 
caught  hold  of  her,  an'  screeched  good,  I  tell  yer.  Well, 
ini"se8,  a  nice  young  gcntl'en  came  up  an'  axed  what  was  de 
mj-u  •;  an'  when  dcy  tole  him,  he  jes'  said  he'd  pay  what- 
ever dey  liked  if  dey'd  sell  us.  So  dcy  did,  and  young  Massa 
Cappen,  he  brought  us  here,  taught  Syra  how  to  read,  and 
we's  been  here  ebber  sence. 

"And  do  you  not  find  it  very  dull  here?"  said  Kate,  who 
had  listened  with  interest  to  the  old  woman's  story. 

"Lor  yes,  misses,  'tis  rather  lonesome,"  said  Aunt  Moll, 
with  her  pleasant  laugh,  "  but  law  sakes  we's  used  to  it  now 
— me  and  Syra  is.  I's  a  goin'  now,  but  of  you  wants  any- 
thing, jes  ring,  and  Syra'U  come.  Marse  Cappen  tole  her  to 
'tend  you." 

So  saying.  Aunt  Moll  quitted  the  room,  leaving  Kate  to 
finish  her  breakfast. 

Toward  noon,  as  Kate  sat  on  a  lounge  in  the  outer  apart- 
ment, reading  a  book  of  old  German  legends,  Syra  entered 
to  perform  some  domestic  duty.  Kate  glanced  at  her  with 
admiration,  thinking  in  her  own  mind  what  a  pity  one  so  peer- 
lessly beautiful  should  be  hidden  away  from  sight  in  th^ 
vaulted  chambers  of  the  old  Moor  Manor. 

"  I  wonder  if  she  is  really  happy  here?"  thought  Kate.  "I 
will  ask  her." 

And,  thereupon  turning  to  Syra,  she  said : 

"  Are  you  in  a  great  hurry,  Syra?" 


ainaai 


ter  bought  me.  Oh, 
lobody  in  de  worl'  to 
takin'  her  off,  I  jes' 
d,  I  tell  ycr.  Well, 
m'  axed  what  was  de 
said  he'd  pay  what- 
:lid,  and  young  Massa 
rr&  how  to  read,  and 

ere?"  said  Kate,  who 
nan's  story, 
ne,"  said  Aunt  Moll, 
3  wc's  used  to  it  now 
ut  of  you  wants  any- 
se  Cappen  tole  her  to 

)oni,  leaving  Kate  to 

e  in  the  outer  apart- 

egends,  Syra  entered 

(  glanced  at  her  with 

lat  a  pity  one  so  peer- 

ly  from  sight  in  th^ 

jr. 

?"  thought  Kate.    "I 

said: 


THE  rechet  sorrow. 


165 


*'No,  misses,"  answered  the  quadroon,  pausing  in  her 
work. 

"Then  come  here — I  want  to  talk  to  you,"  said  Kate, 
pointing  to  a  seat.  "Tell  rac,  Syra,  do  you  like  to  stay 
here?" 

"Yes  misses,"  answered  the  quadroon,  quietly. 

"  And  why?    Do  you  not  find  it  very  dull?" 

"  Oh,  yes,  sometimes,  when  Captain  Kaymond  is  tm\'. 
But  then  I  have  all  his  books,  and  nothing  to  do  but  .  ad, 
and  feed  the  birds,  and  think  of  the  beautiful  things  '  wl''. 
bring  mo  when  he  comes  back  ;  and  when  he  is  here  T  aix  j 
happy  !     I  never  feel  lonesome  then." 

"  Do  you  love  him  so  much  then?"  said  Kate,  a  l  .  ght 
breaking  in  on  her  mind. 

"Oh,  yes!" 

The  quadroon's  dark  face  flushed,  and  her  large  Syrian 
eyes  kindled  with  the  enthusiasm  with  which  she  spoke. 

"  And  why?"  said  Kate,  gently  ;  "  why  do  you  love  him  so 
much. 

"I  don't  know,"  replied  Syra,  thoughtfully.  "I  have 
never  thought  about  it.  Perhaps  I  love  him  because  he  is  so 
handsome,  and  so  brave,  and  so  kind.to  me.  Oh,  I  do  love 
him  more  than  I  can  tell — don't  you?" 

Kate  smiled,  and  then  sighed. 

"No,  I  don't  love  him,  and  I  think  you  had  better  not 
either,  Syra.     Poor  child,  he  doesn't  care  for  you." 

"  But  he  will  by-and-by.  Oh,  I  know  he  will — he  must  I" 
exclaimed  Syra,  vehemently.     "I  would  die  for  liiml    If 


, 


tUh'-'t 


ihi ! 


166 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


my  life  could  save  his,  I  would  give  it.    And  I  know  ho  will 
love  mo  yet!" 

Before  Kate  could  reply  there  came  a  knock  at  the  door. 
A  sudden  flush  of  joy  liglited  up  Syra's  beautiful  f  .ice  as  she 
sprang  forward  and  opened  it,  and  the  young  captain  entered. 

Noticing  Syrr<  with  that  peculiar  smile  that  gave  such  a 
look  of  winning  sweetness  to  his  handsome  face,  he  advanced 
and  saluted  Kate  with  easy  grace,  and,  after  making  a  few 
inquiries  concerning  her  health,  and  how  she  had  rested,  ho 
said  with  a  smile  : 

"  I  am  about  to  relieve  you  of  my  presence  for  a  while, 
Miss  Sidney.  Business  calls  me  to  Ireland,  and  during  my 
absence,  my  men,  with  the  exception  of  two  or  three  who 
will  remain  here,  will  go  on  another  expedition.  "NVo  will 
probably  return  in  a  few  weeks,  but  even  this  short  absence 
will  doubtless  afford  you  pleasure.  I  stnrt  this  evening,  so  I 
will  have  no  other  opportunity  of  seeing  you,  and  now  must 
t)id  you  farewell.  Good-by,  Syra.  See  that  Miss  Sidney 
wants  for  nothing  during  my  absence." 

He  was  gone  before  cither  could  reply,  and  then  Syra, 
casting  herself  on  a  sofa,  buried  her  face  in  her  hands  and 
sobbed  convulsively. 

«'  Syra,  my  dear,  what  is  the  matter? — what  is  it,  child?" 
said  Kate,  alarmed. 

"  Oh,  he's  gone,  he's  gone !  Captain  Eaymond's  gone," 
sobbed  Syra. 

"  "Well,  what  of  that?  He  will  return  in  a  few  weeks,  he 
says,"  said  Kate,  sootliingly. 


^SP^sSt' 


r. 


THE  SECTIET  BORROW 


167 


And  I  know  ho  will 

,  knock  at  the  door, 
beautiful  f  .icc  as  she 
ung  captAiu  entered. 
Ic  that  gave  such  a 
le  face,  he  advanced 
after  making  a  few 
'  she  had  rested,  he 

resence  for  a  while, 
and,  and  during  my 
if  two  or  three  who 
xpedition.  "\Vo  will 
n  this  short  absence 
irt  this  evening,  so  I 
you,  and  now  must 
D  that  Miss  Sidney 

ply,  and  then  Syra, 
:c  in  her  hands  and 

—what  is  it,  child?" 

I  Kaymond's  gone," 

a  in  a  few  weeks,  he 


•'  Oh,  yes,  I  know  !"  wailed  Syra  ;  "  but  ho  la  exposed  to 
8o  many  dangers  when  ho  is  away.  Oii,  Miss  Sidney,  onco 
when  tlioy  brought  him  here  severely  wounded,  I  thought  I 
shoiild  have  dii'd,  I  i\ur8cd  him  until  lie  was  well  again ; 
but  every  time  he  leaves  here  he  is  so  thoughtless,  hu  rushes 
into  danger.  Oh,  Miss  Sidney,  if  he  dies,  1  shall  die,  too  ; 
and  if  ho  is  taken,  he  will  be  hung." 

"  And  serve  him  right,  too,"  thought  Kate  ;  but  not  wish- 
ing to  add  to  poor  Syra's  grief,  she  endeavored  to  console 
her  as  w  ell  as  she  was  able.  All  her  efforts  were,  however, 
vain,  and  the  pale  face  iind  sad  eyes  of  "..e  (piadroon,  for  the 
remainder  of  the  day,  betokened  how  deeply  she  mournea  the 
abseQce  of  the  youug  rover  chief. 


w,y 


mam 


168 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


r  ,i' 


!   -1 


l^'' 


ii 


ciiArxER  xrv. 

CIIAULEY    IN    DLELIN. 

"  'Tli  a  look  of  hia  cyo, 

And  a  way  lii>  can  hIkIi, 
Makei  PuiMy  ii  darlinK  wlu'rcver  he  goes; 

With  II  dupiry  brogue, 

Yi'M  lienr  the  rogue 
Cheat  the  girls  before  their  nose." — Sonrf 

Leavino  the  old  Manor  Moor  and  its  prisoners,  Dirritole, 
and  our  Enj^lisli  friends  l)cliind  us,  witli  one  bound  you  and 
I,  dear  reader,  are  iu  Dublin — in  the  gay  metropolis  of 
Ireland. 

In  an  untidy-looking  apartment,  littered  with  newspapers, 
books,  cigar-stumps,  empty  bottles,  and  so  on  ad  infinitum^ 
and  stretched  in  his  usual  way — at  full  length — on  a  lounge, 
lies  our  old  friend  Charley  Sidney.  A  cigar  is  in  his  mouth, 
and  he  seems  deeply  absorbed  in  watching  the  curling  smoke 
as  it  winds  upward.  lie  seems  rather  paler  than  upual — a 
circumstance  which  may  be  accounted  for  by  stating  that  he 
has  passed  the  previous  night  at  a  military  ball,  and  having 
drank  rather  too  much  wine,  is  to-day  troubled  with  a  pretty 
severe  headache.  Somehow  of  late  Charley "s  thoughts  have 
a  way  of  wandering  across  the  channel  to  a  certain  bright- 
eyed  little  cousin  of  his  ;  and  he  is  thinking  now  what  Mag- 


I 


liU^ 


w. 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


169 


he  goes ; 

" — Song 

i  prisoners,  Dirritole, 
I  one  bound  you  and 
I  gny  metropolis  of 

ed  with  newspapers, 
I  BO  on  ad  infinitum, 
lengtii — on  a  lounge, 
;ignr  is  in  his  mouth, 
ng  the  curling  smoke 

paler  than  upual — a 
or  by  stating  that  he 
ary  ball,  and  having 
roubled  with  a  pretty 
irleys  thoughts  have 

to  a  certain  bright- 
king  now  what  Mag- 


gie would  flay  could  hIio  know  how  desperately  h«  bad  flirted 
all  night  with  a  roguish-oyed  Irisli  heiress. 

So  absorbed  did  lie  Ijcconie  in  his  reflections,  tliathc  heard 
not  the  luud  knocking  that  liad  been  kept  up  at  his  door  for 
some  time  ;  and  it  was  only  when  tiio  applicant  for  admission, 
evidently  exasperated  by  '•"  delay,  gave  a  tliuiidering  peal 
that  llucatencd  to  bring  down  tlie  door,  that  it  awuke  him 
from  iiis  reverie. 

"  C'ojne  in  !"  shouted  Charley. 

The  door  opened,  and  Sir  Harry  r*'..  Hey,  the  aid-de-camp, 
who  had  been  ordered  to  Ireland  some  time  previously, 
entered. 

"  Confound  you !"  was  his  not  over-polite  salute  on  enter- 
ing. *'  I  tliougiit  yoii  were  aslccj),  and  liere  you  arc  looking 
as  cool  as  an  ice-cream,  after  having  kept  me  hammering 
away  at  the  door  these  twenty  minutes  or  so.  Couldn't  you 
let  a  fellow  in?" 

I  didn't  hear  you,"  muttered  Charley,  apologetically,  "  sit 
down  !''  and  Mr.  Sidney  shoved  a  chair  toward  him  with  his 
foot. 

"  How  do  you  feel  after  last  night'o  spree?"  inquired  the 
baronet,  taking  a  seat. 

"  Miserably,  thank  you  ;  I've  been  sewed  up  here  with  a 
confounded  headache  ever  since  !"  answered  Charley. 

'  Ah !  my  dear  fellow,  you're  new  at  this  sort  of  business 
yet.  Wait  till  our  luess  have  had  you  in  hand  for  a  while, 
well  aake  a  capital  fellow  of  you.  I  say,  Charley,  it's  a 
shame  to  keep  such  a  strapping  fellow  as  you  are  iu  that  old 

i5 


•iiiiiMiiii«iiiiiiwiiiiii^iffi*iM^^ 


170 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


■      !i 


bole,  Trinity  College.  Why  don't  you  cut  the  whole  affair, 
and  become  one  of  us?" 

"  Can't  do  it,  my  dear  fellow — haven't  the  needful !"  said 
Charle}',  with  a  sigh. 

"  What  a  thing  it  is  to  want  money  in  this  world !"  said 
Sir  Harry,  philosophically,  "  such  a  fellow  as  you  are  now, 
would  be  a  trump,  if  you  only  had  the  chink.  I'm  confound- 
edly short  myself,  and  never  write  to  the  governor  for  a  sup- 
ply without  getting  a  lecture  as  long  as  my  arm  in  return. 
i  wish  some  heiress  would  have  me,  I'd  marry  her  if  she  were 
as  ugly  as  a  Hottentot,  if  she  only  had  the  cash." 

And  the  young  officer  threw  himself  back  in  his  chair,  un- 
buttoned his  coat,  stuck  hoVa  long  legs  before  the  fire,  and 
sighed  profoundly. 

Charley  felt  himself  called  upon  to  offer  consolation  to  his 
afflicted  friend  ;  but  not  knowing  what  to  say,  remarked,  after 
a  pause : 

"I  expected  Fitzgerald  here  this  morning;  it's  a  wonder 
he's  not  here  before  now." 

"  Here  he  is !"  exclaimed  Su'  Harry,  as  a  loud  rap  came  to 
the  door. 

"  That's  Maurice's  rap ;  I'd  know  it  among  a  thousand !"  mut- 
tered Charley  ;  t);en  raising  his  voice,  he  called  :  "  Come  in  ! " 

"In  answer  to  this  summons,  a  tall,  dashing,  handsome 
fellow,  dressed  in  the  uniform  of  a  dragoon  entered,  and 
thi'ew  himself  into  a  chair  with  very  little  ceremony. 

"Well,  Fitzgerald,  what's  the  news  this  morning?"  in- 
quired Chai'ley. 


ut  the  whole  affair, 

t  the  needful !"  said 

in  this  world!"  said 
)w  as  you  are  now, 
link.  I'm  confound- 
!  governor  for  a  sup- 
is  my  arm  in  return, 
uarry  her  if  she  were 
he  cash." 

lack  in  his  chair,  un- 
}  before  the  fire,  and 

er  consolation  to  his 
<  say,  remarked,  after 

rning ;  it's  a  wonder 

,s  a  loud  rap  came  to 

•ng  a  thousand !"  mut- 
called:  "Come in!" 

,  dashing,  handsome 

ragoon  entered,  and 

e  ceremony, 
this  morning?"  in- 


THE  SECRET  SORHOW.  171 

"  Faith,  nothing,  except  that  Mr.  Magee's  coming  up  here 
after  dinner  to  ask  your  intentions  regarding  his  niece  !"  an- 
swered the  new  comer. 

"  Nonscncc,  Maurice." 

"  No  nonsence  about  it,  man.  Didn't  you  dance  a  jig  with 
her  last  night,  and  ask  her  if  sh<^  liked  Englishmen?" 

"Well,  and  what  if  I  did?'  said  Charley. 

"Upon  my  conscience,  it's  easy  you  tAe  it,"  replied  the 
dragoon.  "  Maybe  when  old  Magee  comes  up  here,  with  r. 
horsewhip  in  one  hand  and  a  parson  in  the  other,  you'll  be 
asking :     '  What  then ?'    Faith,  Id  like  to  see  you. " 

"  Confound  your  impertinence !"  exclaimed  Charley. 
"  What  the  duse  do  you  mean?" 

"  Why,  simply  that  you've  talked  the  prettiest  girl  in  Dub- 
lin into  a  most  deplorable  attachment  for  you !"  said  Fitz- 
gerald. "  Hand  me  that  cigar-case,  Charley.  Ah !  my  boy, 
good-looking  fellows  like  you  ought  to  be  careful  how  th3y 
flirt  with  pretty  girls.  Old  Magee  11  raise  the  mischief  if  you 
don't  marry  his  niece  !" 

"  Let  him  go  to  Jericho  ! "  muttered  Charley,  indignantly. 

"A  queer  set  you  Irish  are!'  remarked  Sir  Harry 
Dudley,  "  fighting,  drinking,  and  love-raP,kmg,  seems  to  be 
your  sole  occupation.  Knock  a  'jan  down  one  minate,  and 
make  up  friends  with  him  the  next  in  a  shebeen,  smashing 
skulls  with  a  cudgel  in  a  fair  lov ,  and  when  you  see  him 
again,  dancing  a  jig  with  some  red-haired  beauty.  The 
whole  country  and  its  inhabitants  are  to  me  a  perfect 
enigma."  ■*      ~ 


•':  I 


172 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


"And  after  all,"  said  Fitzgerald,  "there's  no  other  place 
in  the  world  like  it.  I've  been  freezing  in  Canada  and  roast- 
ing in  India,  and  I've  never  met  a  land  I  liked  so  well  as 
the  'Gem  of  the  Sea.'" 

"  There  is  some  remarkably  fine  scenery  in  Galway !"  said 
Sir  Harry.  "  I  remember  being  particularly  struck  with  the 
romantic  beauty  of  Glendelough." 

"Yes,"  said  Fitzsgerald,'  "  and  oxic  old  ruins  are  particu- 
larly striking — rising  in  their  grim  dc^ry,  monuments  of  the 
glory  of  past  ages,  when  Ireland  was  the  island  of  saints. 
There  is  always  a  soothing  air  of  repose  about  them,  particu- 
larly fascinating  after  the  noise  and  turmoil  of  cities ;  the 
very  sun  himself  seems  to  kiss  them  with--" 

"What's  that  you're  saying  about  kissing?"  interrupted 
Charley,  who  had  paid  no  attention  to  the  beginning  of  this 
rhapsody. 

"Confound  you!  you've  pulled  me  up  short,  and  I  was 
actually  rising  to  the  sublime!"  said  Fitzgerald.  "Hand 
me  that  bottle,  Charley  ;  what's  in  it?" 

"Capital  sherry,  my  boy!"  said  Charley,  pushing  it  to- 
ward him. 

"I'll  be  hanged  if  it's  not  prime!"  said  the  dragoon, 
smacking  his  lips.  "Upon  my  honor,  Charley,  my  boy,  I 
envy  you.  Notliing  to  do  but  to  make  love  to  all  Marion 
Square,  if  you  like,  and  no  chance  of  being  ordered  away  on 
foreign  service  when  you  least  expect  it." 

"  Still,  a  soldier's  life  is  a  glorious  one!"said  Dudley, 
*'  and  the  ladies,  especially  Irish  ones — God  bless  'em — know 


iT" 


ire's  no  other  place 
1  Canada  and  roast- 
i  I  liked  so  well  as 

y  in  Galway !"  said 
arly  struck  with  the 

Id  ruins  are  particu- 

,  monuments  of  the 

e  island  of  saints. 

ibout  them,  particu- 

"moil  of  cities ;  the 
>i 

issing?"  interrupted 
le  beginning  of  this 

ip  short,  and  I  was 
'itzgerald.     "  Hand 

rley,  pushing  it  to- 
said  the  dragoon, 
Charley,  my  boy,  I 
love  to  all  Marion 
ing  ordered  away  on 

one  !"said  Dudley, 
od  bless  'em — know 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


173 


the  full  value  of  a  redcoat.      I  used  to  hear  our  fellows  say 
Ireland  was  the  soldier's  paradise,  and  I  am  fully  convinced 

of  it  now." 

"  Faith,  I  believe  you!"  said  Fitzgerald,  with  such  empha- 
sis, that  a  roar  of  laughter  followed;  "  did  I  ever  tell  you 
of  a  little  adventure  I  had  myself  once  down  there  in  Galway  ?" 

"  No,  what  was  it?"  said  both. at  once. 

Fitzgerald  drained  a  glass  of  wine,  and  began ; 

"  It's  some  three  years  ago  that  I  belonged  to  the  tenth  in- 
fantry, bad  luck  to  them.  Such  a  regiment  as  that  I  was 
never  in  before— a  set  of  logger-heads  that  never  got  further 
than  their  fifth  glass  without  being  tipsy,  and  who'd  no  more 
salute  a  pretty  girl  than  they'd  fight  a  duel.  Heaven  knows 
what  sin  I'd  committed  tliat  I  was  doomed  to  belong  to  such 
a  set !  but  anyhow,  it  was  so  ordained ;  and  we  were  ordered 
off  to  Galway— a  perfect  paradise  of  a  place  for  a  redcoat. 
Every  night  invitations  were  given  to  the  other  chaps ;  but 
would  y(ni  believe  it.  they'd  no  more  notice  us  than  if  we 
were  a  lot  of  hearse-drivers — and  small  blame  to  them  for  it, 
for  I'll  be  hanged  if  ever  I  knew  such  a  slow  set  of  block- 
heads as  the  tenth.  Not  one  of  the  other  corps  would  notice 
us  either,  but  would  laugh  at  us  whenever  they'd  meet  us  in 
the  street. 

"  So  matters  continued  for  a  while,  until  I  was  ready  to 
shoot  myself,  to  be  rid  of  ennui.  Nothing  used  to  relieve 
my  mind  but  climbing  every  morning  to  the  top  of  a  neigh- 
boring hill,  and  delivering  myself  of  a  wholesale  blessing 
upon  the  infernal  tenth.     I   used  to  feel  better  after  it; 

15* 


'W 


vl: 

'i:  i 


I 


c 


11 

"ii 


In 


■'Ii.' 


174 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


but,  like  all  the  other  consolations  of  life,  it  didn't  last 
long." 

Here,  overcome  by  melancholy  recollections,  Fitzgerald 
sighed  deeply,  and  drained  another  glass  of  wine.  Then, 
after  a  pause,  he  resumed : 

"  At  last,  we  heard  one  day,  that  a  ball  was  to  be  given  at 
the  house  of  one  Mr.  Malone  ;  and,  as  usual,  nr^  notice  was 
taken  of  us,  though  the  other  regiments  were  invited.  Our 
fellows  heard  it  with  their  usual  stupid  indifference  ;  but  my 
patience  being  quite  worn  out,  I  determined  to  go  by  hook  or 
by  crook.  But  how? — that  was  the  question.  7f  I  went  un- 
invited and  was  discovered,  I  was  pretty  sure  (  -oing  kicked 
out ;  and  how  to  obtain  an  invitation  was  a  puzzle. 

"  In  this  dilemma  I  had  recourse  to  my  m:m,  Tim  Magrah, 
a  fellow  as  full  of  clever  devices  and  ingetmvty  as  it's  possi- 
ble for  an  Irish  valet  to  be  —  and  that's  h uying  a  good 
deal.  Tim  promised  to  do  his  "/:•:  t;  uu:l  ',  with  the  ut- 
most confidence  in  hid  ability,  wai.ed  the  .csidt  with  im- 
patience, 

"  At  last,  "•:  ovemng  approached,  and  the  hour  for  the  ball 
di<„w  on,  I  bigfuj  t!  ;,,se  patience  ;  and  just  as  I  was  about 
giving  up  the  thing  in  despair,  in  came  Tim  with  a  bundle  as 
big  as  knapsack,  slung  over  his  shoulder. 

"  '  Hurroo  !  Misther  Maurice,  we're  in  the  hoith  o'  luck. 
Sure  I've  hit  on  a  beautiful  plan  ! '  says  Tim,  opening  the 
bundle,  and  holding  the  contents  up  to  view. 

"  '  What's  this? '  said  I,  holding  up  somethmg  I  took  to 
be  a  bag,  gathered  at  the  top. 


»v|i,: 


V. 
life,  it  didn't  last 

lections,  Fitzgerald 
88  of  wine.    Then, 

11  was  to  be  given  at 
usual,  JiC  notice  was 
i  were  invited.  Our 
ndifference ;  but  my 
led  to  go  by  hook  or 
tion.  7f  I  went  un- 
sure f;  ^'k;ing  kicked 
a  puzi'le. 

!  man,  Tim  Magrah, 
eiiuity  as  it's  possi- 
aJ,'-s  suying  a  good 
lU'.l  ',  with  the  ut- 
the  icsult  with  im- 

the  hour  for  the  ball 
ust  as  I  was  about 
im  with  a  bundle  as 

1  the  hoith  o'  luck. 

3  Tim,  opening  the 

ew. 

omething  I  took  to 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


175 


"  '  It's  a  petticoat,  no  less?'  said  Tim,  '  and  sure  here's  an- 
other, for  fear  wan  wouldn't  do  ye ! ' 

"  '  What  do  you  mean,  you  rascal?'  said  I,  in  rising  anger ; 
« is  it  in  petticoats  I  am  to  go  to  the  ball?' 

"  '  Troth  thin,  av  ye  don't  yer  likely  to  stay  at  home,'  said 
Tim ;  '  sorry  one  o'  me  knows  how  yer  to  go  av  ye  don't 

wear  them.' 

'"But  how?'  said  I  completely  at  a  loss  ;  '  explain  your- 
self, Tim." 

"  Faix  that  same's  aisy  done !'  said  Tim  ;  '  afther  ye  tould 
me  ye  wanted  to  go,  I  set  to  work  cudgeling  my  brain  to  find 
out  some  way,  but  sorra  taste  I  seemed  to  get  nearer  it.     At 
last,  aslwasgoin'  to  give  it  up,  who  comes  in  but  Paddy 
Flinn,  a  second  cousin  av  my  own  by  the  mother's  side.     So 
we  sits  down  to  talk  over  ould  times,  and  Paddy  tells  me  he'd 
only  arrived  that  mornmg  from  Cork,  an'  that  he  was  a  coach- 
man wid  an  ould  maid,  who  had  a  niece— a  nephew  I  mane— 
in  the  army,  a  great  fighter  entirely,  an'  that  this  ould  lady 
was  goin'  to  the  ball  to-night.  So  when  I  hears  that,  "  Tim," 
says  1  to  myself,  "  here's  a  chance  for  you  now  "  and  aff  I 
starts  post-haste  for  the  hotel  where  the  ould  maid  was.    She 
axes  my  business,  an'  I  up  an'  tells  her  her  nephew  had 
fought  a  jewel,  and  wasn't  expected  -to  live— God  forgiv.      e 
for  teUin'  a  lie !    Och !  murther,  Misther  Maurice'  darli       iv 
ye'd  hear  the  yeU  the  old  crayther  let  out  av  her  whiu  ihe 
heard  that.     'Pon  my  sowl  ye'd  think  she  was  shot.    ^  ■ .  she 
gets,  an'  gives  orders  to  pack  up  an'  start  immaydentl;;,  and 
shure  I  watched  her  h  yself  goin'  afE.    Arrah?  m-     I  nivir 
brathe  av  I'm  not  ajaynusl' 


-!'i 


[iiw 


,.i'3 


176 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


"  "Well,  but,  Tim,'  said  I,  '  what  has  all  this  to  do  with  my 
going  to  the  ball!' 

"  '  Bad  scran  to  ye !'  says  Tim,  '  sure  ycr  uncommon  stupid 
the  night.  Arrah  !  what's  to  hinder  ye  from  drcssin'  yersclf 
up,  and  passin'  yerself  aff  for  JJiss  Burke.  Devil  a  wan  in 
Galway  knows  her,  except,  maybe,  seein'  her  once  or  so,  an' 
as  she's  mighty  tall,  they'll  niver  know  t)  e  differ. ' 

"At  first  I  hesitated  a  little,  but  finally  yielding  to  Tim's 
logic,  I  allowed  him  to  dress  me  in  the  garments  he  had  bor- 
rowed for  the  occasion.  Heaven  preserve  me  from  ever 
wearing  petticoats  again  !  Every  step  I  took  I  nearly  tum- 
bled  over  my  own  head.  A  neat  wig  and  a  little  black  and 
red  paint  completely  metamorphosed  me,  and  I  doubt  if  my 
own  mother  would  have  known  her  dutiful  eon  in  the  tall, 
dignified,  rouged  !udy  I  then  was. 

"  '  Sthrike  me  lucky!'  says  Tim,  surveying  me  with  ad- 
miration,  av  yer  not  a  beauty,  like  Andy  Shas  foal.  Av  ye 
war  only  a  thrifle  smaller  nbout  the  waist,  ye'd  be  the  darlin' 
all  out.  Don't  be  trampin'  that  way,  as  if  wor  on  parade ; 
an'  dont  spake  too  loud,  nor  make  too  bould,  and  ther's  no 
fear  but  ye  11  he  the  belle  there  to-night.' 

"I  reached  the  house,  and  was  cordially  received  by  the 
host,  who  little  dreamed  that  a  dashing  lieutenant  stood  in 
the  place  of  Miss  Burke.  Several  gentlemen  paid  me  partic- 
ular attention  during  the  evening,  and  one  actually  proposed. 
I  blushed  behind  my  fan,  and  referred  him  to  '  papa.'  But  I 
see  youre  laughing  at  me,  so  1 11  modestly  pass  over  that 
part  of  the  evenmg's  adventures. 


f 


^11 


w. 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


177 


ill  this  to  do  with  my 

^er  uncommon  stupid 
from  drcssin'  yersclf 
ke.  Devil  a  wan  in 
'  her  once  or  so,  an' 
I  e  differ.' 

lly  yielding  to  Tim's 
irments  he  had  bor- 
irve  me  from   ever 

took  I  nearly  tum- 
d  a  little  black  and 

and  I  doubt  if  my 
iful  son  in  the  tall, 

i^eying  me  with  ad- 
Sha'a  foal.  Av  ye 
,  ye'd  be  the  darlin' 
1  if  wor  on  parade ; 
ould,  and  ther's  no 

lly  received  by  the 
lieutenant  stood  in 
nen  paid  me  partic- 
3  actually  proposed. 
a  to  '  papa.'  But  I 
stly  pass  over  that 


"When  the  dancing  was  at  its  height,  I  chanced  to  pass 
the  dining-room,  and,  seeing  it  deserted,  I  thought  I  might 
as  well  go  in  and  help  myself  to  a  glass  of  wine.  I  did  so  ;  but 
scarcely  had  I  entered,  when  I  heard  a  footstep  behind  mo. 
I  drew  back  into  the  shadow,  and  a  moment  after  a  tall,  thin 
young  fellow,  a  lieutenant  in  the  regiment,  for  whom  I  had 
lorfg  felt  a  particular  spite,  entered,  followed  by  a  servant. 
.  "  '  Here,'  said  the  officer,  hastily,  handing  the  man  a  note, 
♦  do  you  know  where  to  find  a  Miss  Mary  Ann  O'Brien  in  the 
dancing-room  ?' 

•''Yes,'  said  the  servant;  'I  saw  her  dancing  there  a 
minute  ago.' 

"  '  Give  her  this,  then,'  said  the  lieutenaut,  '  and  lose  no 
time.' 

"  Both  went  out,  and  I  soon  followed.  As  I  entered  tho 
hall  I  noticed  the  note  lying  on  the  ground,  where  the  fellow 
had  probably  dropped  it.  I  picked  it  up,  and,  without  think- 
ing how  mean  the  act  was,  opened  and  read : 

"  Mt  Darling  Maht  Ann  : — Meet  me  in  the  garden  immediately. 
A  carriage  is  in  waiting,  and  tlic  parson  is  ready  to  make  you  mine, 

"' Your  devoted 

" '  George  Browne.* 

"In  an  instant  every  consideration* was  lost  in  the  one  de- 
sire of  selling  the  lieutenant,  who  had  often  laughed  at  me. 
Hastily  stealing  away  to  the  dressing-room,  I  donned  a  bon- 
net and  cloak,  putting  the  latter  on  wrong  side  out  in  my 
haste,  and,  hiding  my  beautiful  face  behind  a  thick  vail,  I 
dipped  oaxi  to  the  garden  unnoticed.    I  looked  around,  but 


: 


1 


mmK^f/M 


y     ./ 


/■ 
> 


"Tliff~ 


'mmt 


. 


i 


178 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


no  one  was  to  be  seen.  At  length  a  head  protruded  from 
behind  some  gooseberry  bushes,  and  the  voice  of  the  lieuten- 
ant whispered : ' 

'♦ '  My  love,  is  that  you?' 

•' '  Fal'h,  I've  my  doubts  whether  it  is  or  not !'  thought  I. 
Then,  raising  ray  voice  to  a  whisper,  I  answered : 

"'Yes.'  • 

•'  In  a  moment  the  ardent  lover  sprang  forward,  and, 
catching  me  in  his  arras,  pressed  me  to  his  heart  with  such 
force  that  I  was  nearly  strangled. 

"  '  Lord !'  thought  I,  '  what  ribs  Mary  Ann  must  have,  if 
ehe  can  stand  that,' 

"'I  knew  j'ou  would  come  to  your  own  George,' con- 
tinued the  lover,  '  my  soul's  idol,  my  heart's  treasure,  my 
darling,  my  beautiful  Mary  Ann.  Oh  !  my"  love,  how  happy 
we  will  be  when  the  parson  makes  us  one.' 

"  '  There's  no  doubt  of  that,'  thinks  I  to  myself,  smother- 
ing with  laughter,  and  shaking  so  that  I  began  to  fear  I'd 
burst  the  hooks  and  eyes  olf  my  dress.  My  inward  con- 
vulsions, however,  were  set  down  to  quite  another  cause  by 
my  ardent  admirer,  who,  pressing  me  once  more  to  his 
bosom,  for  I  was  too  weak  with  laughter  to  resist,  exclaimed, 
soothingly : 

" '  Nay,  my  angel,  my  adored  one,  never  tremble  so ; 
there  is  no  danger  now,  the  carriage  is  waiting,  and  we  will 
Boon  be  safe.     Come,  my  beloved.' 

"The  lieutenant  drew  my  arm  within  his  and  handed  me 
Into  the  coach ;  and  giving  the  word  to  the  di'iver,  off  we 


WSk 


mi 


«••• 


k*^- 


head  protruded  from 
1  voice  of  the  lieuten- 


I  or  not!'  thought  I. 
nswered : 

prang  forward,  and, 

0  hia  heart  with  such 

Y  Ann  must  have,  if 

r  own  George,'  con- 
heart's  treasure,  my 
my  love,  how  happy 
e.' 

1  to  myself,  smother- 
;  I  began  to  fear  I'd 
)s.  My  inward  con- 
ite  another  cause  by 
3  once  more  to  his 
•  to  resist,  exclaimed, 

I  never  tremble  so ; 
waiting,  and  we  will 

ii  his  and  handed  me 
to  the  diiver,  off  we 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


179 


went  at  break-neck  speed.  All  the  absurdity  of  the  whole 
affair  burst  upon  me,  sundry  liysteric  grunts  of  suppressed 
laughter  burst  from  mc,  while  the  scat  shook  with  my  inward 
convulsions. 

"'Oh!  my  love,  weep  not!'  said  the  lieutenant,  setting 
down  my  agitation  to  maiden  timidity.  But  all  his  efforts 
were  in  vain.  I  only  shook  the  more — I  was  in  fact,  incon- 
solable. 

"  At  length  we  reached  the  church,  my  lover  led  mo  in  to 
where  the  parson  stood  ;  and  I  would  soon  have  been  Mrs. 
Browne,  but  at  this  interesting  moment  in  rushed  Tim, 
breathless  with  haste. 

«' '  Och,  masther  dear,  for  the  love  o'  God,  it's  not  goin'  to 
be  married  yc  are  ?  Och !  whillalu  miellien,  murther,  is  it  a 
runaway  match  ye"s  made  of  it.  Bad  scran  to  ye,  ye  thafe 
of  the  world !'  he  added,  fiercely,  to  the  astounded  lieutenant, 
'  is  it  'lopin'  wid  the  masther  yc  arc?  Ai-rah !  Misther  Mau- 
rice, is  it  tryin'  to  desave  ye  they  are  ?' 

"  'Faith!  it's  very  like  it!'  said  I,  rasing  my  vail,  and 
turning  to  the  lieutenant,  who  uttered  a  cry  of  surprise,  ex- 
claiming, as  he  staggered  back  : 

"  '  Good  heaven  !  Maurice  Fitzgerald !' 

"  '  At  your  service,  sir !'  said  I,  bowing, '  I  hope  you'll  be  a 
little  more  sure  of  your  game  the  next  time  you  try  to  run  away 
with  a  lady.  On  my  conscience,  I'm  afraid  I'll  lose  my  rep- 
utation if  this  is  hoard  of.  Give  my  love  to  your  adored 
Mary  Ann,  and  much  good  may  you  do  her.' 

"  So  saying,  I  turned  away,  followed  by  Tim,  not,  however, 


i 


180 


THE  8KCRET  80R110W. 


I!) 


until  he  had  shakcu  his  fist  flcrccly  iu  the  lieutenant's  face, 
oxcliuniiug : 

"  '  Av  yc  dare  to  Bay  j)ays,  111  not  lave  a  whole  bono  in  your 
dirty  carcase !' 

"  The  story  soon  got  wind,  and  the  luckless  lieutenant  was 
received  with  such  a  sliower  of  ridicule  wherever  he  went, 
that  ho  exchanged  into  a  regiment  ordered  for  foreign  ser- 
vice ;  and  I  have  never  heard  of  him  since.  As  for  me,  I 
became  the  lion  of  Galway  after  tliat,  and  soon  after  cut  the 
tenth,  and  joined  the  dragoons.  So  that  was  my  elopement. 
Faith,  I  never  came  so  near  being  made  a  wife  of  since !" 

A  roar  of  laughter  followed  the  conclusion  of  the  dragoon's 
story,  in  which  he  himself  heartily  joined. 

"  You  had  a  narrow  escape  from  matrimony  that  time," 
said  Sir  Harry.  "  I  presume  you  were  a  great  favorite  with 
the  ladies  after  that?" 

"  Oh  !  I  always  was  that,"  said  Fitzgerald  coolly.  *'  The 
dear  little  souls  like  impudence  as  well  as  the  worst  of  us. 
And  speaking  of  impudence  reminds  me  that  old  Magee 
hasn't  invited  me  to  his  dinner-party  to-day.  He's  sent  you 
an  invitation,  of  course,  Charley?" 

"  Yes  ;  I  believe  so.     Were  you  ever  there,  Dudley?" 

A  significant  shrug  and  a  contemptuous  "  no,"  was  the 
baronet  s  answer. 

"Upon  my  honor,  then,  you  might  be  in  worse  places! 
Eh,  Charley?'  said  P'itzgcrald. 

"  It's  a  perfect  paradise  of  roast  fowls  and  champagne  I" 
said  Charley. 


3W. 

the  lieutenant's  face, 

c  a  whole  bono  in  your 

ucklesa  lieutenant  wna 
ulc  wherever  he  went, 
Icrccl  for  foreign  ser- 
since.  As  for  me,  I 
and  soon  after  cut  the 
lat  was  my  elopement, 
c  a  wife  of  since!" 
usion  of  the  dragoon's 
cd. 

iiatrimony  that  time," 
a  great  favorite  with 

gerald  coolly.  "The 
11  as  the  worst  of  us. 
1  me  that  old  Magee 
)-day.     He's  sent  you 

r  there,  Dudley?" 
ptuous  "  no,"  was  the 

be  in  worse  places! 

n]m  and  champagne  I" 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


181 


•'  And  speaking  of  paradise  reminds  me  that  he's  got  a 
very  pretty  little  niece.  All,  Charley,  my  dear  fellow,  you're 
in  luck  tlurc."  observed  the  dragoon. 

*'Ibeg  to  know  why?  I  am  not  aware  of  standing  in 
such  hieh  f"'--^v  in  tlic  young  lady's  estimation.  I  rather 
thin^        .  uiiiy  imagine  so." 

"  >io  such  tiling,  my  boy.  The  little  girl's  in  love  with 
you ;  and  tliat  same  little  girl's  got  the  neatest  little  foot  I 
ever  clapped  my  two  eyes  on.  Really,  Dudley,  it  would  be 
worth  your  while  to  get  acquainted  there  for  the  sake  of  the 
old  fellow's  niece." 

"Even  that  consideration.  Lieutenant  Fitzgerald,  cannot 
induce  me  to  visit  Mr.  IMngcc,"  said  the  oid-de-comj),  with 
the  most  ceremonious  politeness. 

"Oh!  well,  then.  111  not  force  you.  You  Englishmen 
have  some  queer  notions  of  your  own.  One  would  think 
Charley  here  was  a  native— he  takes  to  the  Irish  so  naturally. 
I  think  it's  partly  owing  to  my  humble  efforts,  however.  I've 
acted  the  part  of  dry-nurse  to  him  ever  since  he  first  crossed 
the  channel." 

"You've  been  a  mother  to  me."  said  Mr.  Sidney,  grate- 
fully. 

"  Yea ;  and,  please  Providence,  I've  not  done  with  you  yet. 
If  I  don't  send  you  back  to  England  a  genuine  Paddy,  then 
you  may  say  Maurice  Fitzgerald  can't  keep  his  word.  Come, 
Dudley,  it's  time  we  were  at  the  barracks.  Good-day  to  you, 
Charley  !  "  And  passing  bis  arm  through  Sir  Harry's  the  two 
soldiers  went  off. 

16 


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182 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Such  were  Charley  Sidney's  associates,  and  such  his  col- 
lege life  in  Dublin— a  life  just  suited  to  him. 

How  little  did  his  friends  at  Dirritolc,  who  often  wondered 
how  "  poor,  dear  Charley  "  could  endure  the  tedium  of  a  col- 
lege, know  how  his  time  was  spent.  Almost  every  night  out 
till  daylight,  bent  on  mischief ;  passing  the  day  strolling 
through  the  city,  driving  fast  horses.  Such  was  Charley's 
life. 


-^R- 


M    Tiimr^ 


•m 


iffito: 


ow. 

ites,  and  such  his  col- 
0  him. 

e,  who  often  wondered 
re  the  tedium  of  a  col- 
Umost  every  night  out 
ing  the  day  strolling 
Such  was  Charley's 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


isa 


CHAPTER  XV. 

THE   PLOT  THICKENS. 

"  On  every  lip  a  speechless  horror  dwelt, 
On  every  brow  the  burden  of  affliction, 

The  old  ancestral  spirits  knew  and  felt 
The  louse's  malediction." — Thomas  Hood. 

And  now  we  must  cast  a  glance  backward,  and  return  to 
the  night  on  which  Kate  was  captured  in  the  old  Moor 
Manor. 

As  every  other  night  will  do,  whether  the  hours  flit  by  on 
"rosy  wings"  or  drag  on  like  ages  of  agony,  that  night 
passed.  The  terrible  spectre  of  the  doomed  house  came  glid- 
ing by  like  an  evil  shadow  at  the  usual  hour,  and  then  all  re- 
mained profoundly  quiet  until  morning. 

Alice,  worn  out  and  exhausted  by  anxiety,  lay  sleeping  a 
deep,  dreamless  sleep.  John  was  snoring  away  in  the  chim- 
ney-corner, and  even  the  earl  nodded  drowsily.  Of  the  whole 
party,  Janie  was  the  only  one  who  slept  not.  In  vain  she 
strove  to  court  slumber — it  came  not ;  a  strange  heaviness 
lay  on  her  heart — a  presentiment  of  some  impending  evil, 
greater  than  any  she  had  yet  experienced,  hung  over  her.  She 
strove  to  stifle  her  presentiment  by  thinking  that,  now  Miss 
Sidney  knew  of  then-  fate,  they  were  safe  ;  for  Janie  had  un- 
bounded confidence  in  Kate's  ability  to  do  as  she  prQixyisedi^ 


",:4''^mmMi'.»i-iimmmm^m^**''' 


184 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


The  carl,  she  reasoned,  would  leave,  as  usual,  at  daybreak, 
then  Kate  would  quit  her  hiding-place,  and  in  a  few  hours 
they  would  be  free.  But  all  was  in  vain  ;  the  strange  depres- 
sion of  Janlcs  spirits  continued — reason  as  she  would,  the 
unaccountable  fear  of  some  impending  calamity  hung  over 
her. 

The  gray  dawn  of  twilight  came  creeping  at  last  over  the 
moor.  The  earl  arose,  and,  shaking  off  by  an  effort  his 
drowsiness,  paced  up  and  down  the  floor  several  times,  as  if 
fully  to  arouse  himself. 

"  Pray  Heaven  he  may  go  at  once,"  thought  Janie. 

Her  prayer  seemed  in  a  fair  way  of  being  answered,  for 
going  over  to  John,  the  earl  shook  him  roughly,  saying : 

"  Come,  wake  up,  sir — I  must  be  going." 

John  rubbed  his  eyes  and  yawned  fearfully  ;  then  rising, 
he  walked  away  like  one  only  half  awake  from  the  room,  and 
soon  re-appeared,  leading  the  earl's  horse  saddled  and  bridled, 
and  ready  for  tlic  road. 

"  Thank  Heaven  !  "  murmured  Janie,  as  she  saw  hun  mount. 
"  We  will  now  soon  quit  this  place." 

But  her  thanksgiving  came  too  soon  ;  for  just  at  that  mo- 
ment, when  she  imagined  all  danger  over,  Kate's  horse 
neighed  loudly,  and  Janie's  heart  sank  like  lead  in  her  bosom. 

"What's  that?"  demanded  the  earl,  starting  suddenly  at 
the  sound. 

Another  loud  neigh  from  the  unlucky  animal  was  his  sole 
answer. 
.  *'§o  there  did  come  some  one  here  last  night?"  said  the 


'•-it--3(ife«!.' 


^/'-iriiMtniiiM 


jjiiiii 


usual,  at  daybreak, 

and  in  a  few  hours 

the  strange  deprea- 

a  as  she  would,  the 

calamity  hung  over 

ping  at  last  over  the 

»ff  by  an  effort  his 

several  times,  as  if 

lought  Janie. 
being  answered,  for 
oughly,  saying : 

g-". 

arfully ;  then  rising, 
i  from  the  room,  and 
saddled  and  bridled, 

3  she  saw  him  mount. 

for  just  at  that  mo- 
over,  Kate's  horse 

e  lead  in  her  bosom. 

starting  suddenly  at 

animal  was  his  sole 
last  night?"  said  the 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


186 


earl,  springing  from  the  saddle  and  catching  John  by  the 
throat:  "answer  me  villain,  or  by  Heaven  I'll  blow  your 
brains  out  where  you  stand  !" 

He  drew  a  pistol  from  his  bosom  as  he  spoke,  and  John 
felt  the  cold  muzzle  pressed  to  his  temple. 

"  Oh,  my  lord — my  lord,  spare  my  life !  For  God's  sake 
don't  nmrder  me  !"  cried  John,  falling  on  his  knees. 

"  Confess,  scoundrel !"  said  the  earl,  fiercely,  still  holding 
the  pistol  to  his  head.     "  Who  came  here  lust  night?" 

"  It  was  Miss  Kate  Sidney.  Oh,  my  lord,  don't  murder 
me,  for  Gods  sake? '  shrieked  John,  in  dismay. 

"  Treacherous  villain  !"  thundered  the  earl,  livid  with  pas- 
sion ;  "so  you  have  dared  to  disobey  my  commands,  and 
trumpeted  what  I  have  done  to  the  world?  But,  by  the 
heaven  above  me,  you  shall  repent  it !  "Where  is  Kate  Sid- 
ney now  ?" 

"  He — he — here,  my  lord !"  said  John,  his  teeth  chattaring 
with  terror. 

"  Lead  me  to  her  hiding-place,  you  low-born  hound  !"  ex- 
claimed his  master  hoarse  with  rage  ;  "  she,  as  well  as  you, 
shall  rue  meddling  in  my  actions.     Lead  on,  sirrah !" 

Pale  with  fear,  John  arose,  and  i>receded  the  earl  to  the 
room  in  which  Kate  had  found  refuge.  In  vain  they  searched 
it ;  the  cage  was  empty — the  bird  had  flown. 

"  Escaped  !"  exclaimed  the  earl,  with  an  oath  so  fierce  that 
John  quailed  in  horror.  "On,  scoundrel !  through  every 
room  in  this  old,  infernal  place  you  must  go  till  you  have 

found  her ;  and  when  you  have •" 

16*  • 


1 
1) 

r 


'■:^ktiiimMimimsi^m 


mm 


186 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


The  last  of  the  sentence  was  lost  in  a  hissing  whisper  that 
made  John  shudder  with  undellned  terror. 

Through  every  room  they  went,  up  rickety  stair-cases,  down 
long,  echoing  corridors,  through  old  rooms,  damp  and  moldy 
with  age — even  the  hall  containing  the  trap-door  through 
which  Kate  had  been  taken  was  explored  ;  but  all  in  vain — 
no  trace  of  the  lost  one  was  to  be  found.  Even  John  lost 
his  terror  of  the  earl  in  the  superstitious  horror  that  crept 
over  him,  as  the  thought  tha.,  she  had  been  carried  off  by 
ghosts  flashed  across  his  mind. 

"  So  she  has  escaped  !"  said  the  earl  in  a  voice  of  concen- 
trated passion,  as  after  their  fruitless  search,  they  again  re- 
turned to  the  room  in  which  the  others  were.  "  And  all  this 
story  about  her  being  concealed  here  was  only  trumped  up  to 
delay  me  longer,  and  give  her  a  chance  to  reach  Dirritole. 
The  scheme  succeeded,  but  it  shall  be  your  last ;  if  I  am  to 
be  disgraced  by  you,  you  shall  not  survive  it !" 

He  drew  a  pistol  as  he  spoke,  and  took  deliberate  aim  at 
John,  who,  wild  with  fear,  had  fallen  on  his  knees  before 
him. 

"My  lord,  my  lord!  would  you  commit  a  murder?" 
shrieked  Alice,  throwing  herself  before  him.  "  He  is  inno- 
cent— he  has  told  you  the  truth.  I  swear  to  you,  my  lord, 
Kate  Sidney  sought  shelter  in  there  last  night,  and  we  have 
never  seen  her  since." 

The  earl's  hand  dropped,  and  turning  to  Alice,  he  de- 
manded, while  bis  piercing  gaze  seemed  to  read  her  very 
soul: 


-# 


iJiiiBf^(«s!»';«»*-'---^i^ 


w. 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


187 


I  hissing  whisper  that 
)r. 

ccty  stair-cases,  down 
•ms,  damp  and  moldy 
le  trap-door  through 
id  ;  but  all  in  vain — 
ind.  Even  John  lost 
LIS  horror  that  crept 
I  been  carried  off  by 

n  a  voice  of  concen- 
earch,  they  again  re- 
vere. "  And  all  this 
3  only  trumped  up  to 
J  to  reach  Dirritole. 
3ur  last;  if  I  am  to 
veit!" 

ok  deliberate  aim  at 
on  his  knees  before 

!ommit  a  murder?" 
him.  "He  is  inno- 
rear  to  you,  my  lord, 
i  night,  and  we  have 

og  to  Alice,  he  de< 
}d  to  read  her  very 


"And  this  is  the  truth?" 

"  It  i3,  my  lord.     I  would  not  lie  to  save  my  life." 

' '  How  came  she  here  ?" 

"  It  was  I,  my  lord,"  interrupted  Janie,  boldly.  "  I  brought 
her  here  to  save  Miss  Alice." 

For  a  moment  the  earl  glared  upon  her  like  a  savage ;  then 
turning  on  his  heel,  he  strode  from  the  room. 

"  God  have  mercy !"'  gasped  the  white  lips  of  Alice,  "  will 
he  murder  us  all  ?" 

As  she  spoke  the  earl  entered,  carrying  in  his  hand  a 
strong  cord.  Seizing  John  before  he  was  aware  of  his  in- 
tention, he  hurled  him  violently  to  the  ground,  and  proceeded 
to  bind  him  hand  and  foot. 

The  terrified  servant  struggled  violently  to  free  liimself ; 
but  raising  his  pistol,  the  earl  hissed  in  a  voice  choked  with 
suppressed  passion : 

"  Cease  your  struggles,  or,  by  Heaven,  the  contents  of  this 
shall  lodge  in  your  thick  skull." 

This  last  argument  was  conclusive.  John  lay  perfectly 
still,  while  the  earl  coolly  bound  him  hand  and  foot.  Then 
gagging  him  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  his  crying  for  help, 
he  turned  to  Janie,  and,  seizing  her.  wrists,  said,  sarcasti- 
cally : 

"  We  must  prevent  you  using  your  tongue  so  much  for  the 
future,  my  dear ;  it  may  get  you  into  trouble ;  and  lest  it 
should,  I  will  take  the  precaution  of  binding  this  handker- 
chief over  your  mouth ;  and  lest  you  should  tire  yourself 
walking,  I  will  take  you  with  me." 


•'^'fcv'i'V^''*;fc 


"SP"^ 


1 


188 


THE  SECRET  BORROW. 


Suiting  tho  action  to  the  word,  lie  bound  Janie  hand  and 
foot,  as  he  had  done  John.  Then  rising,  he  tiu-ned  to  Alice, 
and  said,  sternly : 

"  As  for  you,  madam,  I  shall  be  obliged  to  leave  you  for  a 
few  hours.  It  is  not  probable,  however,  that  if  your  friend 
has  escaped,  she  will  be  able  to  take  you  away  before  my  re- 
turn ;  and  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  your  escaping  during 
my  absence,  I  shall  fasten  the  door  securely  on  the  outside. 
As  soon  as  those  two  are  disposed  of  I  shall  take  you  to  au 
asyliun  where  even  Miss  Kate  Sidney  will  not  find  you." 

The  mocking  sneer  that  accompanied  his  words  gave  his 
face  the  look  of  a  demon.  Half  fainting,  Alice  sank  on  the 
floor,  and  covered  her  face  with  her  hands,  while  the  earl 
strode  from  the  room. 

In  a  few  momenta  the  sound  of  carriage  wheels  met  their 
ear.  It  was  the  earl,  bringing  out  the  one  in  which  they  had 
arrived  the  night  on  which  our  story  opens,  and  which  had 
since  that  time  remained  in  the  old  manor.  Then  re-enter- 
ing, he  half  dragged,  half  led  the  prostrate  servants  out. 

Alice  heard  the  door  slam  to,  then  the  sound  of  heavy 
bolts  drawn  across,  then  the  carriage  driving  rapidly  away, 
and  she  alone  in  the  old  manor. 

Muffled  to  the  eyes  in  a  great-coat,  with  his  hat  slouched 
down  over  his  face,  the  earl  sat  in  the  driver's  seat,  as  they 
flew  rapidly  along  in  the  road  opposite  to  that  which  led  to 
Dirritole.  The  moor  once  passed,  he  studiously  avoided  the 
high-road ;  and  passing  through  narrow  by-streets,  with 
which  he  seemed  perfectly  familiar,  he  stopped  at  length  be- 


I 


'vSL, 


::^ 


md  Janie  hand  and 
;,  he  turned  to  Alice, 

ed  to  leave  you  for  a 
,  that  if  your  friend 

I  away  before  my  re- 
rour  escaping  during 
urely  on  the  outside, 
hall  take  you  to  an 

II  not  find  you." 

1  his  words  gave  his 
g,  Alice  sank  on  the 
mds,  while  the  earl 

ige  wheels  met  their 
ao  in  which  they  had 
}cns,  and  which  had 
lor.  Then  re-enter- 
ite  servants  out. 
the  sound  of  heavy 
Iving  rapidly  away, 

rith  his  hat  slouched 
river's  seat,  as  they 
o  that  which  led  to 
adiously  avoided  the 
)w  by-streets,  with 
topped  at  length  be- 


t 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


189 


fore  a  low,  filthy-looking  tavern  that  stood  by  itself  at  some 
distance  from  any  other  dwelling. 

The  sound  of  wheels  brought  the  landlord,  a  short,  thick* 
set,  villainous-looking  man,  to  the  door.  Ilia  eyes  sparkled 
as  they  fell  on  the  carl,  whom,  in  spite  of  his  disguise,  be 
immediately  recognized. 

"  Ah?  my  lord,  how  d'ye  do?"  he  said,  in  a  tone  of  easy 
familiarity.  "  We'd  begun  to  suspect  you  were  going  to 
give  us  the  slip,  after  all.  The  captain  insisted  you  weren't 
going  to  come  at  all,  and  was  going  to  cut  liis  lucky  to-mor- 
row ;  the  beaks  are  after  him,  you  know,  my  lord." 

A  look  of  disgust  passed  over  the  earl's  face,  at  the  cool 
insolence  of  the  fellow ;  but  without  noticing  his  vulgarity, 
he  said,  hastily : 

"  And  when  do  you  expect  the  captain  here?" 

"  He's  here  now,  my  lord ;  he  always  flies  to  the  crib  when 
the  beaks  is  after  him,"  replied  the  man.  "  Will  you  walk 
in?" 

"  There  are  two  persons  in  the  carriage.  Miles,"  said 'the 
earl,  lowering  his  voice.  "Take  care  of  them  for  the 'pres- 
ent, and  take  the  carriage  out  of  sight.  I  must  leave  it  here 
for  the  present.     You  understand."    - 

"  Perfectly,"  said  the  fellow,  with  a  knowing  wink.  "The 
beaks  know  better  than  to  come  here  to  look  for  anything. 
Walk  in  here  ;  I'll  attend  to  the  rest." 

He  pushed  open  a  door  that  led  from  the  shop  into  a  little 
dark  den,  half  filled  with  smoke,  and  powerfully  impregnated 
with  the  mingled  odor.3  of  onions  and  tobacco. 


s* 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 

Seated  at  a  tabic  in  the  middle  of  the  floor  smoking  a  short, 
black,  stumpy  pipe,  was  a  man  of  middle  age,  of  sinister  and 
forbidding  aspect. 

"  Well,  my  lord,  you've  arrived  in  port  at  last,"  said  the 
man,  gruffly.  "I'd  a  notion  to  hoist  sail  and  leave  you. 
Where's  the  cargo?" 

♦'  Safe  with  Miles,"  answered  the  earl,  paying  no  attention 
to  the  effrontery  of  the  fellow.  "  And  now,  caf^tain,  you  may 
show  the  Bow  street  olllccrs  your  heels  as  soon  as  you  like." 

"Ay,  ay,  sir,"  answered  the  captain.  "Once  on  blue 
water,  ?ind  I  can  laugh  at  them  all.  I  never  feel  safe  on  dry 
laud.  Ah,  my  lord,  cheating  the  revenue  isn't  now  what  it 
once  was." 

Here  the  captain  sighed,  overpowered  by  melancholy  re- 
flections. 

"  And  what  part  of  the  globe  is  your  destination  now,  cap- 
tain !"  inquired  the  eai'l. 

"  Cuba,  if  I  can  escape  those  pirates  that  are  always  cruis- 
ing about  there,"  answered  the  captain. 

"Cuba!"  said  the  earl,  musingly.  "Yes,  that  will  do 
very  well.  Once  there,  those  two  will  not  give  me  much 
trouble,  Well,  captain,"  he  added,  raising  his  voice,  "  when 
do  you  start?" 

"  To-day,  now  that  I've  got  the  cargo,"  said  the  captain. 
"  The  wind's  fair,  and  I  won't  breathe  freely  until  I'm  on  the 
deck  of  my  cutter  once  more." 

"  Then  our  business  is  at  an  end  for  the  present,"  said  the 
earl,  throwing  a  well-fllled  purse  on  the  table.     "  At  some  fu- 


4i 


TOE  SECRET  SORROW. 


191 


oor  smoking  a  short, 
;  age,  of  sinister  and 

rt  at  last,"  said  the 
sail  and  leave  you. 

paying  no  attention 
iw,  caf^tain,  you  may 
18  soon  as  you  like." 
n.  "  Once  on  blue! 
[svor  feel  safe  on  dry 
le  isn't  now  what  it 

I  by  melancholy  re« 
ilcstination  now,  cap- 
hat  are  always  cruis- 

"Yes,  that  will  do 
not  give  me  much 
ing  his  voice,  "  when 

),"  said  the  captain, 
'eely  until  I'm  on  the 

tie  present,"  said  the 
able.    *' At  some  fu- 


ture day  I  may  again  require  your  services.  In  the  meantime, 
you  will  find  tlierc  tlie  reward  I  promiHedyou.  (iood-moruing." 

Drawing  liis  hat  over  his  brows  once  more,  tlie  earl  left  the 
room,  and  springing  on  liis  liorse,  wiiicli  stood  at  tlie  door, 
lie  started  once  more  for  the  Moor  JManor. 

"  Those  two,  at  least,  are  disposed  of,"  he  muttered,  as  he 
rode  along.  "  And  now  for  Alice.  I  think  I  luvvc  too  much 
influence  over  her  to  betray  me ;  and  if  I  eim  silence  Kate 
Sidney "s  tongue,  and  all  will  yet  be  well.  How  artfully  the 
jade  craved  permission  to  vis  t  her  friend  I  If  I  liad  only  re- 
fused, she  might  have  betrayed  herself,  and  told  mo  all. 
Alice  once  out  of  my  way,  I  will  find  some  means  of  keeping 
Kate's  tongue  quiet,  and  I  will  hurry  on  this  match  between 
Arndale  and  Lord  Nettcrville's  daugiiter.  Her  fortune  is  said 
to  be  enormous,  and  the  lady  herself  is  as  anxious  for  the 
match  as  any  of  us.    Yes,  my  plans  must  succeed." 

So  saying,  he  rode  rapidly  forward,  and  soon  came  in 
sight  of  the  dreary  old  manor.  Alighting  from  his  .horse, 
he  eagerly  approached  the  door  to  discover  if  it  had  been 
visited  during  his  absence ;  but  no— everything  was  just  as 
he  had  left  it. 

Hastily  withdrawing  the  bolts,  he.  pushed  open  the  door 
and  entered.  Everything,  with  one  exception,  was  precisely 
the  same  as  when  he  went  away  ;  the  fire  was  still  burning, 
the  carriage  cushions  still  lay  scattered  ov«r  the  floor,  but 
Alice  was  gone. 

Doubting  the  evidence  of  his  senses,  the  earl  sought  every- 
where, but  all  in  vain .    No  trace  of  the  lost  one  could  be  found. 


193  THE  SECRET  SORROW. 

••What  can  be  the  oauae  of  this?"  thought  the  earl,  be- 
wildered. "  l8  it  possible  this  place  can  be  enchanted  I  It 
would  have  been  iiiipossililo  for  her  to  escape  herself,  and  if 
Kate  Sidney  had  returned  to  rescue  her,  they  would  not  take 
the  trouble  to  fasten  the  door  again  so  securely.  On  the 
contrary,  they  would  moat  probably  have  lingered  hero  an- 
ticipating my  return.  Then  again  it  would  bo  impossible  for 
her  to  ride  to  Dirritole  since,  much  less  to  walk  there  and  re- 
turn with  a  reinforcement  to  rescue  Alice.  Strange,  strange  ! 
What  is  to  be  done?" 

Ho  paced  up  and  down  the  floor,  lost  in  thought.  At 
length,  starting  from  his  reverie,  ho  exclaimed : 

•'  Yes,  desperate  as  is  the  venture,  I  will  risk  it.  I  will 
ride  to  Dirritole  and  see  if  they  have  arrived  there.  If  they 
have,  and  this  story  has  become  rumored  abroad,  I  must  fly, 
at  least  for  the  present,  until  this  affair  has  blown  over. 
Captain  Hamilton  sails  to-morrow  for  Cuba.  I  can  accom- 
pany him,  for,  in  any  case,  my  business  requires  my  presence 
there  soon ;  and  by  going  now  I  can  e  i  detection,  and 
likewise  arrange  my  affairs.  Then,  too,  we  will  probably 
arrive  before  the  smuggler's  cutter,  and  I  can  see  that  every 
possibility  of  the  return  of  those  two  under  his  charge  be  cut 

off."  • 

As  he  spoke  he  rode  forward  in  the  direction  of  Dirritole, 
cautiously  keeping  as  much  as  possible  from  observation. 
As  ho  oiitercd  the  forest  path  he  encountered  the  young  gen- 
tlemen ia  the  ragged  pantaloons  who  had  brought  Janie's 
note  to  Kate  the  preceding  day.    The  idea  Instantly  flashed 


it 


ii 


liiifiiiiiiimiiii 


1 


w. 

thought  tho  carl,  be« 
1  bo  cnchantoU  !  It 
scnpo  hcTHclf,  and  if 
they  would  not  take 
30  Bccurely.  On  tho 
vo  lingered  hero  an- 
uUl  bo  impossiblo  for 
to  walk  there  and  ro- 
I.     Strange,  strange  t 

ost  in  thought.  At 
laimcd : 

:  will  risk  it.  I  will 
rived  there.  If  they 
d  abroad,  I  must  fly, 
fair  has  blown  over, 
!!uba.  I  can  accom- 
requires  my  prcsenco 
)  detection,  and 
•o,  we  will  probably 
I  can  see  that  every 
ider  his  charge  be  cut 

lircction  of  Dirritole, 
lo  from  observation, 
itered  the  young  gen- 
had  brought  Janie's 
idea  instantly  flashed 


TBE  SECRET  SORROW. 


193 


across  his  mind  that  perhaps  he  might  give  him  some  in- 
formation. 

"  Hillo,  boy !"  he  called.  "  Have  you  seen  any  one  pass 
this  way  lately?" 

Tho  boy  stared  at  him  for  a  moment,  and  as  ho  recognized 
tho  earl,  ho  gave  his  tattered  head-picco  a  Jerk,  and  an- 
swered : 

•'  I  hain't  seed  nobody  since  I  seed  the  young  lady." 

"  What  yonng  lady?"  said  the  earl,  growing  pn^c. 

"Miss  Kate  Sidney,  wot  lives  up  there,"  pointing  as  he 
spoke  toward  tho  mansion,  the  peaked  gables  of  wliicli  could 
bo  distinguished  above  the  tree-tops.  "  She  guv  mo  throe 
bobs — leastwise  she  didn't,  but  tothcr  nice  young  woman 
did." 

"  What !"  exclaimed  tho  carl,  in  a  tono  that  made  the 
young  gentleman  start  back  in  alarm.  "  Do  you  mean  to 
tell  mo  they  were  both  iiere?    Speak,  sirrah  !" 

"I'm  blest  if  I  know!"  replied  the  owner  of  the  ragged 
garments.  "Anyways,  Miss  Kate  Sidney  teas  here.  I  seed 
her  with  my  own  two  blessed  hcyes  ;  ond  t'other  one  guv  me 
three  bobs.  As  if  you  calls  them  both,  they  icaa  here,  and  no 
mistake." 

In  his  consternation,  the  earl  forgot  to  ask  when  ho  had 
seen  them — for  the  idea  that  it  could  have  been  the  day  pre- 
vious never  entered  his  mL.d ;  and  tho  young  gentleman,  un- 
der the  impression  that  tho  earl  knew  tho  tnae  of  their  meet- 
ing, never  dreamed  of  telling  him.  Thus  they  labored  under 
a  mutual  misunderstanding. 

17" 


■!;).i'li.'-'m!!FyTg^»''^"-W»w»ff.ij;.   iwi.. -lH^g|||,*.^^^l||.JiMll^.l■ 


w•.'^*  •*»] 


194 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


What  was  to  be  done  ?  The  whole  affair  was  probably  by 
this  time  known  not  only  to  the  household  at  Dirritolc,  but 
also  at  the  Pines ;  and  even  now  his  name  might  bo  loaded 
with  execration.  He  could  not  venture  to  return  home  just 
at  that  time,  when  every  voice  would  be  raised  against  him. 

What,  then,  was  to  be  done?  He  might  fly,  but  what  a 
triumph  that  would  give  bis  enemies  !  He  gnashed  his  teeth 
with  rage  at  the  thought.  No,  they  should  not  think  he  had 
fled  through  fear — some  expedient  must  be  adopted.  If  he 
left  England  now,  in  a  few  months  this  affair  would  be  nearly 
forgotten,  and  he  might  return  in  peace  once  more. 

True,  his  favorite  scheme  of  uniting  his  son  to  Lord  Net- 
tei'villes  daughter  would  have  to  be  given  up,  and  the  infamy 
of  his  base  conduct  must  still  cling  to  him  ;  but  tJiat  could 
not  now  be  avoided — his  sin  had  found  him  out.  Besides,  he 
was  wealthy — and  the  world  is  ever  partial  in  judging  the 
crimes  of  the  rich.  He  would  write  to  the  countess  under 
the  plea  that  business  so  urgent  called  him  away  as  to  render 
it  out  of  his  power  to  visit  her  before  his  departure,  and  thus 
the  disgrace  of  his  flight  would  be  hidden.  These  thougbta 
flashed  rapidly  across  his  mind ;  and  turning  to  the  knight 
of  the  ragged  gannents,  he  said  : 

"  Can  I  trust  you  to  carry  a  note  from  me  to  Lady  Dane- 
more,  boy?" 

"  If  you'll  tip  the  needful,  I'm  your  man,"  said  the  young 
gent,  coolly  determined  to  have  his  pay  beforehand,  lest  the 
countess  should  treat  him  as  Kate  had  done. 

'•  You  should  teach  your  tongue  a  little  more  respect  when 


#fi;i|ii  m,^iiiwwp.  «. 


w. 

fair  was  probably  by 
lolcl  at  Dirritolc,  but 
ame  might  bo  loaded 
I  to  return  home  just 
t  raised  against  him. 
might  fly,  but  what  a 
He  gnashed  his  teeth 
)uld  not  think  he  had 
t  be  adopted.  If  he 
affair  would  be  nearly 

once  more, 
his  son  to  Lord  Net- 
!n  up,  and  the  infamy 

him  ;  but  that  could 
tiim  out.  Besides,  he 
artial  in  judging  the 
)  the  countess  under 
lim  away  as  to  render 
s  departure,  and  thus 
len.  These  thougbta 
urning  to  the  knight 

>m  me  to  Lady  Dane- 
nan,"  said  the  young 
beforehand,  lest  the 
lone, 
le  more  respect  when 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


195 


addressing  me,  sirrah!"  said  the  earl,  harshly,  as  he  tore  a 
leaf  from  his  tablets,  and  began  to  write. 

"Nobody  never  teached  me  no  perlitencss,"  replied  the 
young  gentleman  in  the  torn  unmentionables.  "  I's  willin' 
for  to  larn,  'cause  as  how  I  hain't  got  nothin'  else  to  do.  If 
nobody  won't  larn  me,  'tain't  to  be  expected  Id  be  particu- 
larhj  pcrlite." 

The  earl  took  no  notice  of  this  reasonable  objection  to  hia 
want  of  perliteness,  but  wrote  rapidly  : 

"  Mr  Dear  Madeline  :— Business  of  the  utmost  importance  calls 
me  from  homo ;  so  urgent  is  it  that  it  is  impossible  for  mo  to  have  the 
plc£;suro  of  seeing  you  before  my  departure.  I  hope  to  return  in  a 
few  weeks.    Meantime,  I  remain 

*'  Your  affectionate  husbiind, 

"Reginald  Alva, 

"  Earl  of  Danemore." 

Carefully  folding  this,  he  threw  the  lad  a  sovereign,  and 
as  he  took  the  note,  the  earl  said : 

"  Mind,  fellow,  and  deliver  this  faithfully,  or  you  shall  re- 
pent it.  And — hark  ye  ! — s.iy  nothing  of  having  seen  me 
here.  If  they  ask  you  where  we  met,  say  at  Stanton,  at 
Chesbro' — anywhere  ten  miles  distant.  Remember!'"'  he 
said,  warningly,  as  the  boy  turned  away. 

"All  right  as  a  trivet!'  was  the  answer,  as  the  tattered 
pantaloons  were  put  in  locomotion,  and  the  young  gentleman 
inside  them  drew  himself  up  in  the  conscious  dignity  of  being 
solo  owner  and  proprietor  of  a  sovereign  ;  and  cocking  his 
nose  in  the  air,  1  g  turned  out  ten  toes,  that  peeped  from  his 


^1 


^|»«MM«pi«  iJiWf  M 


196 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


worn-out  shoes  like  so  many  muddy  small  potatoes,  and 
marched  toward  Dirritole. 

The  earl  watched  him  until  he  disappeared;  then,  turning 
his  horse  in  the  opposite  direction,  rode  rapidly  away. 

And  when  the  sun  arose  next  moming,  the  Earl  of  Dane- 
more  stood  on  the  deck  of  the  merchantman,  in  full  sail  for 
Cuba. 


' 


small  potatoes,  and 

sared ;  then,  turning 
rapidly  away. 
,  the  Earl  of  Dane- 
man,  in  full  sail  for 


L.IHIIH^^LW11"'S"l.;^ 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


197 


CHAPTER  XVI 

KATE   ON  THE   SEA. 

•'  Oh !  gloriously  upon  the  deep 
The  gallant  vessel  rides ; 
And  she  is  mistress  of  the  winds. 
And  mistress  of  the  tides. 

•«  But  alas !  for  the  widows'  and  orphans'  teart, 
When  the  death-flag  sweeps  the  wave ! 
Alas !  that  the  laurel  of  victory 
Must  grow  but  upon  the  grave." — Miss  Landon. 

Slowlt  and  wearily  the  days  glided  by  to  Kato  in  her  sub- . 
teranean  prison — seeing  no  one  but  the  old  negrcss  and  the 
young  quadroon,  Syra.  Her  eyes  yearned  to  look  once  more 
upon  the  blue  sky,  to  breathe  the  fresh  air,  and  catch  a 
glimpse  of  the  world  once  more.  Her  days  were  spent  almost 
continually  in  thinking  of  Alice,  whom  she  still  imagined  a 
prisoier  in  the  manor ;  and  then  her  thoughts  would  revert 
to  her  uncle,  and  her  cheeks  would  flush  with  the  honest  glow 
of  indignation,  and  her  eyes  would  flash  as  she  thought  of 
his  baseness.  Then  at  times  her  thoughts  would  revert  to 
the  young  rover  chief  and  the  quadroon  girl,  Syra.  How 
came  he,  so  young,  so  refined,  so  handsome,  so  noble  looking, 
to  be  the  leader  of  a  gang  of  outlaws — a  crew  of  blood-thirsty 
pirates  ?    She  had  often  heard  of  Captain  Raymond — heard 

17*     . 


-,**.-   J! 


■V 


I0S 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


him  spoken  of  as  a  demon  in  man's  form — one  whose  deeds 
of  blood  might  make  the  firmest  heart  quail,  and  the  strong- 
est check  blahch  ;  and  now  she  had  seen  him — could  it  be  ? 
Could  those  blue  eyes,  so  beautiful  and  sad,  ever  flash  with 
the  light  of  murder?  Could  those  hands,  small  and  delicately 
bhaped  as  a  girl's,  ever  shed  a  fellow-creature's  blood? 
Could  that  voice,  so  gentle  and  musical,  ever  shout  the  death- 
cry  of  the  pirates  !  Oh !  no,  no,  no !  Kate's  heart  recoiled 
from  the  thought.  Whatever  fate  had  driven  him  liere  from 
the  society  of  the  high-born  and  refined  to  which  he  felt  he 
ought  to  belong,  he  could  never  become  a  deliberate  murderer. 
And  Syra,  this  dark  browed,  wild  hearted,  passionate 
child  of  tiie  South,  dying  with  love  for  bim — would  he  ever 
care  for  her?  Kate  sighed  as  she  thought  of  that  impulsive 
.young  heai't  pouring  out  its  treasures  of  love  at  the  feet  of 
one,  who,  she  felt  sure,  would  never  regard  her  as  other  than 
a  servant.  Poor  Syra !  the  great,  mournful  black  eyes  would 
light  and  sparkle  with  joy  at  the  mention  of  that  loved  name, 
and  her  dark  face  would  flush  with  deepest  joy  at  the  thought 
of  his  return  home.  Everything  his  hand  had  touched 
was  sacred  in  hci  eyes  ;  everything  was  arranged  for  the  sole 
purpose  of  affording  him  pleasure.  The  wild,  untaught  child 
of  nature  worshiped  him  as  an  Eastern  devotee  does  his 
idol ;  she  knew  no  other  god  but  him ;  willingly,  joyfully, 
she  would  ha^  e  lain  down  and  died  r,t  his  feet,  had  he  com- 
manded it.  And  all  this  time  she  cluns,  as  a  drowning  man 
will  to  a  straw,  to  the  hope  that  he  would  love  her  yet.  He 
wa9  not  made  of  marble ;  he  could  not  always  withstand  this 


J 


Mh 


U^ 


rm — one  whose  deeds 
quail,  and  the  strong- 
iccu  him — could  it  be  ? 
cl  sad,  ever  flash  with 
Is,  small  and  delicately 
llow'-creatiirc's  blood  ? 
,  ever  shout  the  death- 
Kate's  heart  recoiled 
driven  him  liere  from 
id  to  which  he  felt  he 
a  deliberate  murderer. 
1  hearted,  passionate 
ir  lum — would  he  ever 
jght  of  that  impulsive 
of  love  at  the  feet  of 
gard  her  as  other  than 
rnful  black  eyes  would 
yn  of  that  loved  name, 
pest  joy  at  the  thought 
is  hand  had  touched 
}  arranged  for  the  sole 
le  wild,  untaught  child 
;ern  devotee  does  his 
n ;  willingly,  joyfully, 
his  feet,  had  he  corn- 
s', as  a  drowning  man 
uld  love  her  yet.  He 
always  witbstaad  tliU 


THE  SECRET  SOllROW. 


199 


wild  love  given  him  so  freely  :  she  was  young  and  fair,  and 
worshiped  him.  Oh !  surely,  surely  ,  that  heart  she  would 
have  died  to  save  would  love  her  yet. 

Of  late,  Kate  had  avoided  mentioning  his  name  to  her. 

For  some  time  after  his  departure,  Syra  would  sit  by  her 
side  talking  of  him  alone  for  hours  ;  but  once,  when  Kate  ac- 
cidentally remarked  that  one  so  young  and  handsome  might 
win  the  heart  of  the  fairest  lady  in  the  land,  the  quadroon's 
fierce  black  eyes  emitted  a  sharp  flash  of  jealousy ;  and  from 
that  day  forward  her  manner  toward  Kate  changed. 

She  grew  cold  and  reserved,  never  speaking,  unless  to  an- 
swer a  question  ;  and  then  if  it  related,  even  in  the  most  dis- 
tant way,  to  the  young  chief,  the  same  suspicious  light  kin- 
dled her  eye. 

Kate  well  knew  the  reason  of  this  change,  and  might  have 
smiled  perhaps  at  the  idea  of  being  in  love  with  Captain  Ray- 
mond, had  she  not  felt  her  lonely  situation  too  keenly.  Sy- 
ra's  readiness  to  converse  had  at  first  made  the  hours  pass  un- 
perceived ;  but  now,  with  no  companion,  save  her  own  sad 
thoughts,  they  dragged  on  like  ages.  The  effect  of  confine- 
ment, and  brooding  in  silence  over  the  restraint  of  which  she 
was  too  proud  to  complain,  soon  betrayed  itself  in  her  palo 
cheek,  listless  eye,  and  languid  step. 

A  week  or  two  had  thus  passed,  when  one  morning  Kate 
was  aroused  by  the  sound  of  many  feet  in  the  adjoining  cham- 
ber, and  numerous  rough  voices  speaking  loudly. 

Rising  hastily,  she  dressed  and  rang  the  bell,  and  in  a  few 
moments  Aunt  Moll  made  her  appearance. 


-,«i|pr 


I 


;[■ 


P 


: 


200  THE  SECRET  SORROW. 

"What  is  the  cause  of  this  unusual  noise?"  demanded 
Kate,  as  the  old  woman  entered. 

"  Laws,  chtlc,  marsc  cappcns  back  ;  'deed  he  is,  chile  ;  he's 
arriv'  Dcy  all  rived  las'  night,  an'  dey  been  commin'  eber 
since.  One  o'  dem  trowed  his  fcrnal  old  punch-bowl  at  my 
head.  I  dodged  him,  an'  it  hit  Black  Simon  right  in  dc  eye. 
He,  he,  he !  Sarve  him  right,  too.  De  Lor',  knows  what  do 
forsooken  olo  heathen  would  a  done  nex'  if  marse  cappen 
hadn't  drapt  in  an'  gin  him  a  kick  which  like  ter  knock  his 
brains  out.     'Deed  he  did,  honey.     Sarve  him  right,  too." 

Kate  felt  a  sensation  of  pleasure  at  hearing  the  young 
chieftain  had  returned.  But  she  carefully  concealed  every 
outward  sign  of  satisfaction,  and  inquired  for  Syra. 

"  Lor'  chile !"  replied  the  old  woman — it  is  thus  she  inva- 
riably addressed  every  one — "  she's  wid  young  marse.  Neb- 
ber  seed  anybody  crazy  'bout  any  one  like  she  is  bout 
him.  Dar,  now,  1 11  fetch  you  in  breakfas",  honey.  I  specs 
you's  hungry  by  dis  time,  and  you  an'  marse  cappen  11  raise 
Sam  if  I  doesn  ttend  to  you.     He,  he,  he  !" 

And  with  her  usual  chuckle,  Aunt  Moll  departed. 

Kate's  slender  meal  was  soon  over,  and  she  was  again  left 
to  her  own  thoughts.  At  length  she  was  aroused  by  a  light 
footstep ;  and  looking  up,  she  saw  the  quadroon  standing  be- 
fore her.  Her  cheeks  were  flushed  to  a  burning  red,  and  her 
great  black  eyes  had  a  streaming,  unnatural  light.  Poor  Syra ! 
it  was  the  baleful  light  of  jealousy. 

"  Captain  Raymond  bade  mc  ask  if  you  would  grant  Iilm 
the  favor  ot  an  interview,"  she  gaid. 


Jl 


'.r- 


low. 

ual  noise?"  demanded 

;  'deed  he  is,  chile  ;  he's 
ley  been  commin'  cber 
old  punch-bowl  at  my 
Simon  right  in  do  eye. 
De  Lor',  knows  what  do 
nex'  if  marse  capjjen 
hich  like  tcr  knock  his 
arve  him  right,  too." 
at  hearing  the  young 
efuUy  concealed  every 
ired  for  Syra. 
n — it  is  thus  she  inva- 
id  young  marse.     Neb- 
one  like  she  is  bout 
ikfas',  honey.     I  specs 
i'  marse  cappen'll  raise 
,  he!" 

toll  departed, 
and  she  was  again  left 
ras  aroused  by  a  light 
quadroon  standing  be- 
a  burning  red,  and  her 
tural  light.  Poor  Syra ! 

you  would  grant  Iilm 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


201 


Kate  lifted  her  eyes  to  the  face  of  the  quadroon  in  surprise. 
There  w  is  something  in  her  tore  which  startled  her  ;  the  words 
were  spoken  with  such  concentrated  fierceness.  Kate  felt 
amazed  that  she  should  be  the  subject  of  a  slave  girl's  jeal- 
ousy ;  her  aristocratic  pride  shrank  from  such  a  thought,  and 
holding  her  head  erect,  she  said  coldly : 

"You  may  tell  Captain  Kaymond  I  shall  be  very  happy  to 
see  liim  at  any  time.  His  presence  will  at  least  make  my  pris- 
on a  little  more  cndm-able." 

A  fierce  flash  shot  from  Syra's  black  eyes,  as,  compressing 
her  lips,  she  turned  away  to  deliver  her  message. 

"That  I  should  bo  despised  for  her"  she  said,  fiercely. 
"  I,  who  am  a  thousand  times  more  beautiful  than  she.  Why 
did  she  come  here  ?  He  miglit  iiave  loved  me  but  for  her.  I 
hate  her!"  she  hissed  in  a  to;ifc  of  deep  passion;  ^'' and  I 
wish  she  were  dead  /" 

Her  face  actually  grew  livid  with  passion ;  her  beautiful 
featm-es  worked  convulsively,  and  her  small  hands  clenched 
together  until  they  grew  bloodless. 

Meanwhile  Kate's  tlioughtsran  on  in  a  very  different  strain, 
but  they  were  of  the  same  person. 

'"'  What  delicacy,"  she  murmured,  "  not  to  intrude  !  Can 
one  so  perfectly  gentleman-like,  so  refined,  be  really  a  pirate 
captain  ?  Strange,  strange !  What  can  ever  have  brought 
him  to  this?" 

Her  meditations  were  brought  to  an  end  by  the  entrance  of 
the  young  captain  himself.  With  an  easy  smile  he  advanced 
to  Kate  and  held  out  his  band,  .       - 


tos 


THE  8ECRET  SORRO'Wr. 


'^How  handsome!  What  beautiful  eyes  ho  haa!"  wu 
woman-like  Kate's  first  thought  as  she  arose  to  welcome  him. 

"And  how  has  the  time  passed  since  my  departure  ?"  he 
asked,  seating  himself.  "  I  trust  my  servants  have  attended 
to  your  comfort." 

"  I  thank  you,  yes.  As  a  captive,  I  hove  been  far  better 
provided  for  than  I  could  expect." 

"You  cannot  regret  your  captivity  more  than  I  do,"  he 
said,  quickly.  "  What  strange  frealc  of  fortune  led  you  here 
I  cannot  account  for.  But  while  you  stay  I  trust  at  least  to 
provide  for  your  bodily  comfort." 

Kate  sighed. 

"  You  are  looking  very  pale.  Miss  Sidney,"  said  Captain 
Raymond,  a  slight  shade  passing  over  his  handsome  face.  « '  I 
wish  to  Heaven  I  dared  restore  you  to  your  friends." 

He  rose  from  his  scat  and  began  to  pace  the  floor  rapidly, 
while  Kate  regarded  him,  scarcely  knowing  what  to  say.  At 
length  he  stopped  abruptly,  and  said  : 

"  Would  you  venture  on  the  sea/  My  men  are  rough  and 
savoge :  but  they  are  perfectly  under  my  control,  and  you 
would  be  safe.  Syra  can  accompany  you,  and  you  need  fear 
nothing ;  though  only  a  pirate  chief,  I  have  not  forgotten  i 
was  ojice  a  gentleman." 

A  look  inexpressibly  sad  shone  in  his  deep,  dark  eyes  ;  but 
Kato  did  not  notice  it.  Her  heart  bounded  at  his  words ;  she 
might  yet  escape  ;  or  if  not,  she  would  at  least  breathe  the 
blessed  air  of  heaven  once  more.  Without  a  moment  s  hesi- 
tation she  looked  up  and  said,  quietly : 


:w 


eyes  ho  haa!"  was 
rose  to  welcome  liim. 
30  my  dcpartiire  ?"  ho 
Tvants  have  attended 

have  been  far  better 

more  than  I  do,"  he 
'  fortune  led  you  here 
ay  I  trust  at  least  to 


idney,"  said  Captain 
I  handsome  face.    «'I 
our  friends." 
ace  the  floor  rapidly, 
ing  what  to  say.    At 

jr  men  are  rough  and 
ny  control,  and  you 
lu,  and  you  need  fcer 
lave  not  forgotten  i 

deep,  dark  eyes  ;  but 
led  at  his  words  ;  she 
at  least  breathe  the 
out  a  moment's  hesi- 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


f08 


♦'I  will  go  with  you." 

An  expression  of  pleasure  flitted  across  his  face  ;  but  as  if 
fearing  she  had  decided  hastily,  ho  said : 

«'  But  consider  first .  .0  danger.  Wo  are  always  exposed 
to  storms,  shipwreck,  and  disasters  on  sea,  from  which  wc 
aro  safe  on  land.  Besides,  wo  are  pirates;  wo  must  follow 
our  calling,  and  scenes  of  bloodshed  and  death  are  hardly 
fitted  for  a  lady's  eyes.'' 

Kate  shuddered.  Her  new-born  hope  seemed  about  to  be 
crushed  in  its  birth;  and  she  saw  bcforo  her  long,  dreary 
days  of  solitude  and  gloom  in  the  old  Moor  Manor.  The 
young  chief  saw  the  sudden  look  of  disappointment,  and  re- 
sumed : 

"  I  do  not  say  positively  these  will  occur ;  I  only  speak  of 
probabilities.  I  do  not  wish  to  draw  you  blindly  with  me. 
Consider— I  have  named  the  dangers,  but  then  its  advantages 
will  be  far  above  this  lonely  subterranean  residence.  As  you 
decide,  so  shall  it  be." 

Kate  paused  for  a  moment ;  but  even  the  dangers  would  be 
far  preferable  to  the  dismal  solitude  here,  and  she  said,  firm- 
ly : 

"  I  will  brave  all  dangers  and  go  jvith  you.    This  dismal 

place  would  soon  drive  me  insane." 

.  "  Be  it  so,"  said  Captain  Raymond,  gpvly.  "Itwillaot 
be  the  first  time  the  Water  Witch  has  been  graced  by  the 
presence  of  a  lady.  I  trust  you  will  find  your  residence  there 
pleasanter  than  it  has  been  here.  The  sea  breezes  will  soon 
bring  back  your  lost  roses." 


"T 


201 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


The  young  lady  courtcsicd. 

""When  do  yon  start?"  elio  said,  smiling. 

"  Oh,  immediately,  if  poasiblc,  or  at  least  aa  soon  ascvcry- 
•  thing  can  bo  got  ready.     I  soon  tire  of  the  land,  and  cannot 
(bcoff  too  soon  for  blue  water.     My  men,  too,  like  true  sail. 
ors,  arc  growing  weary  of  delay,  and  must  be  off." 

There  was  a  pause.  Kate  scarcely  heard  his  words  ;  sho 
was  thinking  of  something  else. 

"  I  wish  you  would  tell  mo  of  those  with  whom  I  was  in 
the  manor,"  she  said,  at  length,  looking  up  anxiously  in  his 
face.    I  am  sure  you  know.     Do  tell  me." 

"  They  are  gone." 

««  Gone  I"  repeated  Kate,  starting  to  her  feet,  "  "Where  1" 
How  !     When  did  they  go?" 

"Eeally,  Miss  Sidney,  that  is  more  than  I  can  tell  you. 
They  were  here  when  I  left,  and  were  gone  the  nest  day. 
They  liavc  not  returned  since.  Perhaps,"  he  said,  with  a 
Blight  smile,  "  the  ghost  frightened  them  away." 

"  The  ghost,"  repeated  Kate,  vacantly. 

"  Yes,  the  ghost  of  the  old  Moor  Manor.  You  have  heard 
it  is  haunted,  I  presume  ?"  he  8aid,with  a  wicked  twinkle  of  his 
blue  eye. 

"  Yes,"  said  Kate,  looking  up  in  his  face  with  a  half  smile. 
"  I  certainly  have  heard  of  it,  but  I  begin  to  think  it  is  a 
flesh-and-blood  ghost." 

"  Upon  my  honor,  Mi&s  Sidney,  I  give  you  credit  for  great 
penetration.  Pray,  who  told  you  it  wag  a  flesh-and-blood 
ghost?" 


K  • 


IS  soon  fts  cvcry- 
and,  and  cannot 
>,  liko  true  sail. 
!  off." 
his  words ;  sbo 

1  wliom  I  was  in 
anxiously  in  bis 


!et,  "  "Where  1" 

I  can  tell  you. 
I  the  next  day. 
be  said,  with  a 

y." 

I'ou  have  heard 
:dtwinkleof  his 

itha  half  smile, 
o  think  it  is  a 

credit  for  great 
Qesh-and-blood 


K  * 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


205 


.iNot  you,  crtaiuly,"  said  Kate.  "  But  confess,  sir,  it  U 
not  so?  Is  this  fehost  not  an  ingenious  device  for  frighten- 
ing  i)coplo  away  from  the  old  Moor  Manor !" 

-Ko,  Miss  Sidney,  I  cannot  claim  tlio  honor  of  devising 
that  project.    It  was  one  of  my  men,'  ho  replied,  la«r'ung 
-  When  nrst-long  before  I  joined  them-thcy  used  this  old 
n^ansion  for  a  rendezvous,  they  found  these  subterranean 
vaults  so  useful  that  thoy  determined  not  to  be  troubled  with 
visitors.     For  this  purpose  they  undertook  to  play  the  ghost. 
A  mask,  resembling  a  skeleton,  a  little  red  ochre  to  represent 
blood,  some  phosphorus  to  give  them  the  appearance  of  be- 
ing enveloped  in  flames,  and  the  disguise  was  perfect.     The 
place  soon  got  the  reputation  of  being  haunted,  and  people 
would  sooner  go  ten  miles  round  than  pass  here.    Some  fool- 
hardy  braggarts,  having  more  brandy  than  wisdom  in  their 
heads,  undertook  to  spend  a  night  here,  but  one  sight  of  the 
ghost  and  its  awful  groans  sent  them  flying  with  shrieks  of 

terror."  ,- 

-Still,"  said  Kate,  "it  puzzles  me  how  they  could  pass 
through  the  room  and  disappear,  as  ghosts  ought  to  do,  with- 
out exciting  suspicion.     Spirits,  you  know,  don't  generally 

open  doors  to  go  out." 

-Very  true,"  said  the  captain,  i' and  neither  does  the 
Khost  of  the  old  Moor  Manor.  There  is  a  passage  which 
connects  these  under-ground  chambers  with  the  rooms  above. 
Through  this  passage  they  go  into  a  suite  of  rooms  directiy 
overhead  of  the  one  in  which  you  were.  This  old  manor  « 
full  of  secret  doois,  constructed  for  Heaven  knows  what  evil 

18 


■^ 


206 


THE  SECRET  SORROTT. 


' 


L 


purpose.  Thc«o  my  men,  by  dint  of  long  search,  have  dU- 
covered ;  an.l  by  ti.eir  aid  thoy  nro  enabled  to  play  the  ghost 
to  perfection.  The  ghost  enters  through  a  secret  door, 
which  opens  noiselessly  by  a  spring;  an.l  keeping  <lown  in 
the  «hndow,  where  its  llery  garments  will  stand  boldly  out 
passes  across  the  room,  and  vanishes  through  another  secroJ 

"  Well.  I  must  say  it  is  a  very  Ingenious  plan,"  said  Kate  ; 
and  one  I  sui^pose  which  has  succeeded  in  securing  your 
clomam  from  intruders." 

*'  It  certainly  has,"  answered  Captain  Raj-mond,"  until  of 
late.  I„  vain  iho  gl.ost  has  tried  to  drive  the  party  you 
came  with  away.  Nothing  could  succeed  .u.til  of  late ,  it  ap- 
pcared  regularly  every  night,  but  all  in  vain  ;  it  tramped 
overhead,  but  still  thoy  staid.  It  frightened  them  terribly- 
there  can  be  no  doubt  of  ikat-hut  not  enough  to  make  them 
leave.  It  must  have  been,  indeed,  a  strong  inducement  that 
made  them  remain  here." 

This  was  said  inquiringly,  as  if  to  draw  from  Kate  an  ex- 
planation.     If  such  was  his  purpose,  it  most  signally  failed 
however.     Miss  Sidney  hud  no  intention  of  betraying  family 
secrets  to  the  rover  chief.  , 

A  few  moments  after  he  took  his  leave.  As  he  rose  to  go, 
Kntcsaid:  ^ 

"  I  must  thank  you  again  for  the  kindness  with  which  you 
have  placed  both  these  rooms  at  my  disposal.  But  as  I  am 
aware  there  is  no  other  room  you  can  use  here  but  this,  I 
must  beg  of  you  to  occupy  it.     I  seldom  or  never  leave  my 


' 


^Wa 


.F' 


■I  ■ 


THE  SEPBET  SORROW. 


fOt 


ftrch,  hare  dis< 
play  the  ghost 
»  secret  door, 
pping  down  in 
nd  boldly  out, 
another  secrot 

i/'saidKttto; 
securing  your 

ond,"  until  of 
■lie  party  you 
of  late  J  it  np. 
;  it  tramped 
cm  -terribly—. 
to  make  liiem 
liicement  that 

Kate  an  ex- 
jnally  failed, 
aying  family 

e  rose  to  go, 

h  which  you 
iut  as  I  am 
I  but  this,  I 
er  leave  my 


' 


Bleeping  apartment  even  in  day-time,  so  I  beg  you  will  have 
no  deliciify  in  ftr(>i'i)tin','  it." 

.'  I  thank  you,  Miss  Sidney,"  nni'l  tlu-  young  captain,  with 
a  nmilo.     -  I  wiUin^'lv  ucocpt  your  offer  in  the  same  Bpirit  in 
>vhich  it  is  made.     1  nu.st  own  I  am  ofte.,  reduced  to  a  strait 
when  T  wish  to  read,  or  write,  or  remain  by  myself.     The 
outer  apartments  are  .Uvays  nile.l  with  my  noisy  crew,  so  that 
It  is  Impossible  to  remain  o.ie  moment  .piiet.     Therefore  I 
shall  make  use  of  this  room  for  a  few  hours  each  day,  but 
you  must  still  continue  to  consider  it  your  own.     I  shall  now 
direct  Syra  to  prepare  for  departure  with  you,  so  I  shaU  bid 
you  adieu  for  the  present." 

During  the  few  days  that  remained  before  their  departure, 
Kate  and  the  pirate  captain  had  frequent  interviews.  And 
after  each  Kate  noticed  that  the  fierce  look  of  jealousy  m- 
creased  in  the  quadroon's  face.  A  fiery  look  of  intense  hate 
flashed  from  her  black  eyes  whenever  she  encountered  Kate. 
Tortured  by  the  pangs  of  jealousy,  poor  Syra  was  miserable 

Indeed.  ,,    ,^,     ,    , 

Kate  noticed  her  growing  hatred  toward  herself  with  afeel- 

tag  of  sincere  regret.     She  could  sympathize  with  the  poor 

drl    whose  passionate  heart  gave,  unasked,  aU   her  hope 

of  happiness  in  this  life  into  anothcrs  keeping.     And  he- 

how  little  he  cared  for  her !    It  was  doubtful  whetherhe  even 

dreamed  that  this  handsome  slave  girl  could  possibly  love 

him     The  light  smile  with  which  he  met  her,  the  careless 

dance  of  his  blue  eye,  the  tone  of  easy  superiority  in  which 

he  addressed  her,  left  Uttle  room  to  doubt  that  he  merely  con- 


:ip»- 


*^r%'T'-'j'^t ) 


TITST- 


208 


THE  SECBET  SOBBOW. 


sidered  her  a  very  hainlaome  servant — but  still  a  servant. 
And  had  Syra  not  been  blinded  by  her  mad  passion,  she 
would  have  seen,  likewise,  that  in  Miss  Sidney  he  only  saw  a 
lady — one  whom,  as  belonging  to  a  superior  rank,  he  was 
obliged  to  treat  as  became  a  lady — one  whom,  as  his  captive, 
he  was  forced  to  care  for.  But  Syra  saw  not  this  in  his  fre- 
quent visits  to  her — she  saw  only  the  lover  visiting  his  lady- 
love ;  and,  as  she  saw  him  enter  Kate's  room,  a  new  degree 
of  hate  filled  her  heart  toward  her  rival. 

When  he  informed  her  of  his  design  of  bringing  Kate  with 
him,  her  jealous  fears  were  confirmed. 

"  He  cannot  endure  to  be  parted  from  the  woman  he  loves  1" 
she  exclaimed,  bitterly.  "  Many  and  many  a  time  he  went 
before,  leaving  me  here  to  wait  for  his  return,  unthought  of 
and  uncared  for.  And  she — she  does  not,  she  cannot  love 
him  as  I  do,  I  who  would  die  for  him  joyfully.  But  she  will 
never  be  his  bride — no,  never,  if  I  have  to  slay  her  in  his 
arms!" 

Little  dreaming  of  the  resolution  of  the  quadroon,  Kate  sat 
one  evening  alone  in  her  little  sleeping-chamber,  her  chin  rest- 
ing upon  her  hand,  her  eyes  fixed  vacantly  upon  the  wall,  her 
thoughts  of  Syra  and  the  young  pirate  chief  she  so  passion- 
ately loved.  Her  own  feelings  toward  him  it  would  be  hard 
to  analyze.  She  despised  and  loathed  the  profession,  but  in 
spite  of  herself  she  admired  the  man  ;  she  shuddered  as  she 
thought  of  his  crime,  bat  some  irresistible  sympathy  drew 
her  towai-d  him.  There  was  little  danger  of  her  falling  in  lovo 
with  him ;  she  would  as  soon  have  dreamed  of  becoming  a 


-.-If^WHPWWS^'***''-"' 


itill  a  servant, 
d  passion,  she 

ho  only  saw  a 
r  rank,  ho  was 

as  h\B  captive, 
this  in  his  fro- 
liting  his  lady* 
,  a  new  degree 

ging  Kate  with 

man  he  loves  t" 
I  time  he  went 
unthought  of 
le  cannot  love 
But  she  will 
[ay  her  in  his 

Iroon,  Kate  sat 
',  her  chin  rest- 
in  the  wall,  her 
tie  so  passion- 
would  be  hard 
fession,  but  in 
ddcred  as  she 
rmpathy  drew 
falling  in  lovo 
»f  begoming  a 


■« 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


269- 


pirate  herself ;  but  still  somethiug  shs  could  not  account  fo; 
made  her  like  him.  Sometimes,  if  by  chance  he  ever  alluded 
to  the  past,  his  voice  would  become  bo  inexpressibly  sac'  that 
it  went  to  her  heart ;  and  looking  into  his  mournful  blue  eyes, 
she  would  heave  a  sigh,  and  wonder  what  great  sorrow  he,  so 
young,  could  have  met  with. 

"  Perhaps  like  others,  he  has  loved  and  lost,"  thought  Kate, 
as  she  mused.  "  I  wish  I  knew.  And  Syra,  poor,  half-crazed 
child,  with  her  flery,  southern  blood,  and  passionate  nature, 
what  will  become  of  her  ?  I  wonder  if  he  knows  she  loves 
him.  I  willspoak  of  her  to  hira  theverynexttimelmeethim." 

She  rose  as  she  spoke,  and  pushing  aside  the  heavy  velvet 
curtain,  stepped  to  the  outer  room.  As  she  did  so,  she  per- 
ceived to  her  surprise  it  was  tenanted.  Sitting  at  the  table, 
his  head  leaning  on  his  hand,  his  fair,  clustering  locks  pushed 
impatiently  off  his  white  forehead,  his  large  blue  eyes  flxed 
on  vacancy,  sat  the  object  of  her  thoughts. 

In  the  full  glare  of  the  lamp  she  could  see  distinctly  the 
noble  contour  of  the  head,  shaped  like  that  of  a  prince — the 
fine  features,  classic  as  those  of  a  Grecian  statue,  now  wore 
a  look  of  such  deep,  settled,  immovable  sovow  as  Kutc  had 
never  witnessed  before.  He  could  not  see  her  ''•'■.ere  ho  sat, 
and  she  had  a  full  opportunity  of  watcliing  him  unnoticed. 
The  look  of  profound  sorrow  went  to  her  heart,  it  was  so 
seldom  he  looked  thus — always  gay,  always  animated,  only 
sometimes  the  dreary  expression  would  come,  aa  though*  the 
world  were,  after  all,  a  blank  to  him. 

K»te  shrank  from  intruding  then,  when  his  thoughts  were 

18«      ' 


Ou^SSSS^^f^^S 


P3?gCTO8£ — — ■ 


t 


210 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


evidently  far  away.     Accordingly  oho  retreated  behind  tba 
curtains,  when  the  door  opened,  and  Syra  entered. 

The  yovmg  chief  started,  passed  his  hand  across  hia  brow, 
drew  a  long  breath,  then  the  sad,  dreamy  look  waa  gone,  and 
his  usual  one  of  careless  good  humor  returned. 
I  "Well,  Syra,  what  is  ic?"  he  said. 
i  Her  message  was  a  trifling  one ;  evidently  she  had  entered 
more  to  see  if  Kate  were  with  him  than  for  any  other  pur- 
pose. As  soon  as  she  was  gone,  Kate  stepped  cut  and  stood 
before  hun. 

"  Ah,  Miss  Sidney !"  ho  said,  rising,  "  Syra  has  just  been 
here  to  know  if  you  will  have  your  books  packed  to  go  on 
board  ?    I  answered  yes,  in  your  name,  not  wishing  to  disturb 

you." 

•'ThanJc  you,"  said  Kate;  "  I  am  glad  you  did  so.  By 
the  way,  captain,  is  Syra  willing  to  go  to  sea? ' 

"Syra!"  he  repeated,  in  surprise.  "I  never  asked  her. 
Of  course  she  must  accompany  you." 

"  She  has  grown  very  pale  and  thin  of  late,"  remarked 
Kate,  seating  herself.     "I  fear  she  has  the  disease  of  the 

heart.      " 

"  What !  I  do  not  understand,"  said  the  j^oung  chief,  in  a 
tone  that  convinced  Kate  his  thoughts  were  very  little  of 

Syra. 

»'  I  mean  that  I  think  she  is  in  love,"  said  Kate,  making  a 

desperate  resolve  to  say  the  worst  at  once. 
Captain  Raymond  uttered  a  prolonged  "  Oh  !'* 
"I  never  was  iu  love  myself,"  said  Kate,  laughing ;  " but 


-^sr^ 


SJPBfff.Tii  I .-  . 


ited  behind  tba 

tered. 

icross  Ilia  brow, 

k  was  gone,  and 

a. 

she  had  entered 
r  any  other  pur- 
»d  out  and  stood 

ra  has  just  been 
wckccl  to  go  on 
?ishing  to  disturb 

you  did  so.     By 

a?" 

never  asked  her. 

'  late,"  remarked 
he  disease  of  the 

j^oung  chief,  m  a 
'cre  very  little  of 

I  Kate,  making  a 

Oh!" 

I,  laughing ;  "but 


THT  SECRET  SORROW. 


211 


I  believe  Syra  baa  fallen  into  that  unhappy  state.  I  wondei 
who  is  the  happy  man  ?"  and  she  glanced  at  liim  from  under 
her  long  eyelashes. 

"Really!  I  am  sorry  I  cannot  tell  you,'"  said  Captain 
Raymond,  smiling.     "  1 11  make  inquiry,  if  you  like !" 

"Oh,  no!  by  no  means! — pray  don't  trouble  yourself!" 
said  Kate,  hurriedly,  now  thoroughly  convinced  how  little  he 
cared  for  poor  Syra;  "perhaps  I  am  mistaken.  We  start 
to-morrow,  do  we  not?"  she  asked,  anxious  to  change  tho 
subject. 

"  To-morrow  night,  Heaven  be  praised  !"  replied  Captain 
RajTnond.  "  I  shall  not  feel  like  myself  until  I  am  once 
more  on  the  deck  o:'  my  good  vessel !" 

Thus  ended  Kate's  conversation  concerning  Syra.  In  the 
bustle  and  hurry  of  departure,  she  saw  little  more  of  liim  for 
some  time  after. 

Two  days  later  Kate  sat  in  the  cabin  of  the  pirate  ship. 
It  had  been  fitted  up  in  the  most  elegant  style  for  the  recep- 
tion of  Miss  Sidney  ;  and,  as  far  as  outward  comfort  went, 
her  uncle's  stately  mansion  of  Dirritole  did  not  siu'pass  it. 
Old  M'^11  had  been  left  behind,  by  her  own  desire,  declaring 
she  couldn't  stand  "  dem  ar  rampagm',  ^arrifying,  rip-stavin' 
sailors !" — but  Syra  accompanied  Kate.  Whither  they  were 
bound  she  had  not  asked  ;  and,  after  being  on  board  awhile, 
she  felt  little  inclination  to  ask — being  prostrated  'n  body  and 
mind  by  sea-sickness.  And  so  Kate  Sidney  was  on  the  blu't 
sea,  in  a  pirate  vessel,  outward  bound.  < 


i 


IMHf 


.J^ 


81t 


THE  SECRET  SOREOW.- 


•.  >. 


Ik      '  / 


CHAPTER  XVn. 

THE    DOOMED   SHIP. 

"  The  captain  lie  is  young  and  fair- 
How  can  he  look  so  young? 

Hi*  locks  of  youtli — his  golden  hair, 
Are  o'er  his  shoulders  flung. 

"  The  fiercest  of  our  pirate  band 

Holds  at  his  name  the  breath ; 
For  there  is  blood  on  his  right  hand, 

And  in  his  heart  is  death  I" 

It  was  a  glorious  summer  sunset — sunset  on  the  seat 
Not  n.  breath  of  air  was  stirring;  the  sails  flapped  lazily 

,  against  Uic  mast,  while  the  pirate  vessel  lay  still  and  motion- 
less on  the  glassy  sea.     The  day  had  been,  and  still  was,  in- 

.  tensely  wai-m  ;  the  hot  rays  of  a  tropical  sun,  streaming  on 
the  declc,  had  rendered  it  almost  insupportable.  An  awning 
had  been  constructed  which  had  rendered  the  burning  heat 
somewhat  more  endurable  ;  and  sitting  beneath  it,  gazing  on 
the  gorgeous  scene  around  her,  was  Kate  Sidney. 

Not  a  cloud  moved  over  the  deep  azure  Unnament,  save  a 
few  white,  fleecy  specks,  looking,  to  Kate's  eyes,  like  stray 
glimpses  of  angels'  wings.  Far  down  in  tho  horizon  the  red 
sun  was  slowly  sinking,  tinti"g  the  sky  with  brilliant  purple, 
cimson  and  gold.     The  AVaveless  ocean  reflected  the  gor- 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


213 


*      K 


air— 
lair, 

1 
find, 

luset  on  the  seat 
ails  flapped  lazily 
\.y  still  and  motion- 
1,  and  still  was,  in- 
sun,  streaming  on 
:able.  An  awning 
d  the  burning  heat 
aeath  it,  gazing  on 
Sidney. 

Himament,  save  a 
e'a  eyes,  like  stray 
bo  horizon  the  red 
Lh  brilliant  purple, 
I  reflected  the  gor- 


geous  dyes  of  the  flrmanr.2nt  in  its  polished  surface,  making 
the  still  scene  beautiful  beyond  description.  The  deep  si- 
lencc  that  reigned  rendered  it  still  more  impressive  ;  for  the 
sailors,  overcome  by  the  heat,  lay  indolently  lounging  about 
the  deck,  or  leaning  over  the  side  of  the  vessel,  to  catch,  if 
possible,  a  breath  of  air. 

Everything  on  board  the  Water  Witch  was  in  the  most  per- 
fect order,  the  deck  scoured  to  a  most  shining  whiteness, 
every  rope  hauled  taut,  everything  in  its  place— for  Captain 
Raymond  maintained  perfect  order  and  discipline  among  his 
pirate  crew. 

Kate  sat  taking  in  the  scene  with  the  eye  of  an  artist. 
Now  her  gaze  would  wander  over  the  gorgeous  but  desolate 
scene  around  her,  on  which  no  living  thing  was  to  be  seen 
save  themselves ;  then  it  would  wander  over  the  trim  deck, 
resting  for  a  moment  on  the  swarthy,  s.ivagc-looking  pa-ate 
crew— each  one  with  a  long,  glittering  knife  stuck  in  his  belt 
—their  fierce  faces  and  evil  eyes  making  her  involuntarily 
shudder,  as  she  thought  of  the  many  deeds  of  blood  com- 
mitted by  them  ;  again  it  would  wander  to  the  opposite  end 
of  the  vessel,  where,  leaning  against  the  bulwarks,  stood  Syra. 
She  formed  a  beautiful  picture  in  the  rich  scene  around ;  her 
white  dress  falling  from  her  taper  waist  in  graceful  folds  to 
her  feet,  her  long,  glossy,  ebon  ringlets  streaming  over  her 
shoulders,  while  a  turban  of  crimson  satin  was  wound  around 
her  head.    Her  groat  black  eyes  were  fixed  earnestly  yet 
dreamily  on  the  face  of  the  young  captain,  who  Lay  leaning 
over  the  side  of  the  ship,  his  eyes  fixed  on  the  bright  waters 


W 


W  <* 


i 


m 


su 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


beneath.  Now  and  then,  at  some  passing  thojpht,  th*.  ni^  1 
red  on  her  oval  chqcks  would  fade,  the  subdr.ed  light  wDiJd 
die  out  in  her  magnificent  eyes,  and  be  supplied  by  >*  Serco 
flash,  as  they  would  rest  for  a  moment  on  Kate. 

And  seated  by  herself,  under  the  awning,  watching  the  sun 
go  down,  Kate  Sidney  looked  stiangely  out  of  place  among 
the  pirate  crew.  Plainly  as  she  was  dressed,  in  a  simple 
robe  of  gray  muslin,  with  a  broad-leafed  straw  hat,  there  was 
about  her  the  unmistakable  stamp  of  a  lady. 

Poor  Kate !  she  was  sad  and  lonely  enough.  Her  waking 
thoughts,  and  dreams  by  night,  were  of  the  friends  behind, 
ln"merrie  Eugland.  *  Of  her  sad-browed  aunt— of  Lord 
Amdale,  still  ignorant  of  tlic  fate  of  lier  he  loved— of  her 
brother  Charley — of  her  basc-hcarted  uncle— but  most  of  all 
of  poor  Alice  Desmond  ;  a  presentiment  that  the  earl  would 
disco'  er  her  visit  to  the  manor,  and  render  the  fate  of  Alice 
Btill  more  bitter,  lay  on  her  mind. 

For  herself,  she  did  not  so  much  care,  though  her  fate  was 
no  enviable  one.  Although  every  respect  was  shown  her, 
she  still  felt  she  was  among  lawless  pirates ;  though  every 
comfort  she  had  been  accustomed  to  fr^m  childhood  was  hers 
here,  stiU  she  could  not  forget  how  it  had  possibly  been 

obtained. 

Then,  too,  the  daily  increasing  jealousy  of  Syra  rendered 
her  miserable  ;  she  feared  it  might  be  discovered  by  the  young 
chief  himself— and  then,  what  would  follow.  The  pirate 
captain  had  often  occupied  her  thoughts,  too ;  but  still  the 
mystery  regarding  him  remained  unsolved.    Sometimes,  in 


^A*^-"-    S;     4jN; 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


915 


ir.ed  light  would 
pplied  by  »*  fierce 
late. 

watching  the  sun 

of  place  among 

33C(1,  in  a  simple 

raw  hat,  there  was 

igh.  Her  waking 
le  friends  behind, 
d  aunt— of  Lord 
p  he  loved — of  her 
• — but  most  of  all 
at  the  earl  would 
•  the  fate  of  Alice 

lOUgh  her  fate  was 
t  was  shown  her, 
tos;  though  every 
childhood  was  hers 
had  possibly  been 

■  of  Syra  rendered 
vored  by  the  young 
How.  The  pirate 
,  too  ;  but  still  the 
id.    Sometimes,  in 


the  midst  of  her  conversation,  he  would  appear  on  the  point 
of  revealing  to  her  something  of  the  past ;  but  again  he 
would  check  himself,  and  resuming  his  accustomed  tone  of 
careless  drollery,  seem  to  forget  the  impulse. 

The  sun  at  length  sank  beneath  the  horizon,  the  brilliant 
hues  of  the  sky  began  to  fade  and  flee  from  the  gray  shadows 
of  evening ;  a  slight  breeze,  too,  arose,  delighJifully  refresh- 
ing after  the  intense  heat  of  the  day.  Under  its  reviving  in- 
fluences, the  idle  sails  began  to  fill— the  gallant  bark  sped 
merrily  onward,  as  though  rejoicing  in  its  delightful  coolness 
—the  sailors  arose  from  their  lazy  positions,  and  new  life 
seemed  to  animate  the  drooping  crew.  Kate,  too,  felt  its  in- 
fluence, and  rising,  she  walked  slowly  over  to  where  the 
captain  still  reclined.  As  Syra  caught  sight  of  her  coming, 
she  hastily  retreated  to  a  spot  where  she  could  watch  them, 
and  remain  herself  unseen  ;  and  she  stood  like  a  tigress  pre- 
paring to  spring  on  her  prey. 

"  A  glorious  evening,  captain,"  said  Kate,  as  she  stood  by 
his  side ;  "  one  does  not  see  many  such  sunsets  in  a  life-tune." 
He  looked  up  with  a  start,  for  she  had  approached  unheard ; 
and  Kate  saw  that  his  face  stiU  wore  the  same  look  she  had 
seen  on  it  once  before. 

He  laughed— a  sort  of  subdued  laugh— and  ran  his  fingera 
through  his  luxuriant,  clustering  hair,  as  he  answered : 

"  Yes,  a  glorious  sunset,  indeed.  Ah,  Miss  Sidney,  there 
is  no  place  like  the  wide  ocean  after  all.  •  Free  and  un- 
fettered, it  spurns  control'— something  Uke  myself ,  or  as  I 
would  be.    StiU  it  is  not  in  times  like  this,  when  everytibpj( 


^^m-^'-i^ii'- 


I- 


21« 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


is  aa  still  anrl  beautiful  as  a  fairy  tale  of  our  cbildbood,  that 
I  love  it  best.  No,  give  mc  the  roaring  blast  that  sends  the 
good  ship  scudding,"  lilvc  a  frightened  courser,  through  the 
foam-crcstcd  waves,  rising  through  the  gloom  of  the  storm 
like  Alpine  avalanches ;  when  the  lurid  lightuing  shows  us 
oHr  course,  then  comes  that  wild  enthusiasm,  that  fierce  feel- 
ing of  freedom,  that  none  but  a  sailor  can  know.  Then  it  ia 
I  love  the  boundless  sea." 

His  eyes  kindled,  and  his  nostrils  dilated  with  the  sudden 
enthusiasm  with  which  lie  had  spoken.  Kate  listened  quietly, 
and  after  a  moment,  replied : 

"  Yes,  that  is  all  very  fine  to  you,  I  have  no  doubt ;  but  if, 
like  me,  you  were,  at  such  times,  at  the  last  gasp  with  sea- 
sickness, you  wouldn't  wish  so  ardently  for  a  storm.  I  re- 
member, during  the  last  storm  we  had,  or  gale,  as  you  called 
it,  how  utterly  miserable  and  wretched  I  felt ;  every  time  the 
vessel  pitched  headlong  into  the  waves  I  prayed  most  de- 
voutly she  might  go  to  the  bottom  at  once,  that  I  might  be 
rid  of  the  pangs  I  endured !" 

Captain  Raymond  laughed  ;  then,  leaning  over  the  side,  he 
continued  to  watch  the  vessel  as  she  danced  through  the  now 
sparkling  waves  for  some  time  in  silence.  Then,  looking  up, 
he  said : 

"  How  gallantly  she  cuts  her  way  through  the  sea-foam — 
flying  onward  as  if  she,  too,  knew  and  rejoiced  in  her  free- 
d<Mn.  What  a  perfect  little  beauty  she  is,  with  her  elegantly- 
modeled  hull,  and  graceful,  tapering  spars !"  and  he  ran  his 
eyes  aloft  with  a  sailor  8  pride.  ; 


ym 


(i 


J^ 


«.  miiu-mwuniuniL- 


THE  SECRliT  SORROW. 


217 


cbildbood,  that 
;  that  sends  the 
3r,  through  the 
tin  of  the  storm 
tuing  shows  us 
that  flcrco  fcel- 
ow.     Then  it  ia 

rith  the  sudden 
listened  quietly, 

•  doubt ;  but  if, 
gasp  with  sca- 
X  storm.  I  re- 
8,  as  you  called 
every  time  the 
ayed  most  de- 
liat  I  might  be 

vcr  the  side,  he 
irough  the  DOW 
en,  looking  up, 

he  sea-foam — 
id  in  her  frec- 
i  her  elegantly- 
uid  he  ran  his 


"I  certainly  have  seen  worse-looking  vessels  than  the 
Water  Witch,"  said  Kate,  composedly,  follo^i"g  the  direc- 
tion of  his  eye;    "what  a  savage-looking  set  your  men 


arc 


I" 


"Upon  my  honor,  Miss  Sidney,  you  throw  a  terrible  damp 
on  my  enthusiasm !"  said  Captain  Raymond,  with  a  good- 
natured  laugh.  "  You  are  a  terribly  matter-of-fact  person,  I 
begin  to  think !" 

••  I  fancy  I  will  hardly  ever  make  much  of  a  sailor,"  re- 
plied Kate,  smiling ;  "  while  the  weather  continues  thus  I  do 
very  well ;  but  the  very  thought  of  a  otorm  h  fearful,  not  so 
much  for  the  storm  itself,  but  the  demon  that  accompanies 
it  —  I  mean  sea-sickness  —  the  very  idea  of  it  gives  me  a 

qualm !"  ' 

"I  always  fall  into  my  old  habits  of  day-dreaming  on 
evenings  like  this,"  he  said,  after  a  pause,  speaking  evident- 
ly as  much  to  himself  as  to  Kate  ;  "  and  yet  how  little  there 
is  left  for  mc  to  dream  about !  The  past  seems  like  a  dark 
dream  to  me  now  ;  and  in  the  future  there  is  nothing  to  look 
forward  to  but  a  grave.  And  yet  sometimes  I  forget  the 
present,  and  fancy  myself  once  more  rich  and  honored,  and 
loved,  as  I  was  once ;  and  I  awake  .with  a  start,  to  remember 
I  am  only  Captain  Raymond,  the  rover  chief,  with  a  price  on 
my  head!"  ,,,.....» 

He  paused,  and  fixed  his  eyes  steadily  on  the  bright  waves, 
while  a  shadow  passed  over  Lis  fine  face.  Kate  stood,  listen- 
ing  intently,   with  a  look  of  deep  sympathy  in  her  dark 

eyes. 

1« 


'M 


/ 


T 


i 


if  fl((fr-vas''ji 


H  I 


Infill  »Aww 


-nwv* 


nil 


ns 


THE  SECRET  BORROW. 


"Yes,"  he  went  on,  slowly,  "strange  as  it  may  seem  to 
you — strange  as  it  seems  now  to  myself — I  was  once  wealthy 
and  honored,  with  a  no'^o.  Miss  Sidney,  as  prond  as  your 
own,  and  of  a  family  as  old  and  aristocratic.  Once  I  was 
heir  to  broad  lands  and  stately  mansions,  with  menials  to 
bow  at  my  word,  and  with  friends  who  were  proud  to  call  me 
fc  descendant  of  their  ancient  house  !" 

*'  And  yet  you  are  here,"  said  Kate,  sadly. 

••  And  yet  I  am  here — and  here  I  will  die  !     All  has  gone 
— aU  has  faded  like  a  dream,  leaving  nothing  to  wish,  noth- 
ing to  hope  for  in  the  future,  either  here  or  hereafter.     I  am 
unloved,  an  imloving  man,  one  shunned  by  his  fcllow-mcuas 
accursed,  with  the  brand  of  Cain  on  my  brow— one  who,  like 
Ishmael  of  old,  has  his  hand  against  every  man's,  and  every 
man's  hand  against  him  !  Well,  be  it  so  I    I  have  a  long  score 
of  revenge  to  wipe  out  against  my  race ;  and  yet  I  never  will- 
ingly shed  blood.    I  am  a  free  rover— I  take  without  remorse 
what  I  can  win  on  the  wide  ocean  ;  yet,  if  I  could  avoid  it,  I 
would  never  slay  a  fellow-being.     And  still  I  have  done  it, 
■till  I  do  it,  and  still  I  will  dr    it.     Some  dark  fate,  over 
which  I  have  no  control,  seems  hurrying  me  on  to  my  des- 
tiny.    Often  and  often,  during  the  still  hours  of  the  night, 
the  ghastly  faces  of  those  who  have  fallen  by  my  hand  rise 
before  me.     I  can   see  them,  as  they  fall  backward,  into 
thoBea,  their  wild,  agonized  faces,  their  distorted  eyes  strain- 
ing from  their  sockets— their  hands  stretched  forth  vainly 
striving  to  sue   for  mercy,  or  to  ward  off  their  death-blow, 
And  then  they  go  down,  down,  down  !  into  the  waves,  reU 


t  may  seem  to 
13  once  wealthy 
proncl  as  your 
c.  Once  I  was 
vith  menials  to 
)roucl  to  call  me 


!    All  has  gone 
I  to  wish,  noth- 
ereafter.     I  am 
is  fellow-men  as 
V — one  who,  like 
lan's,  and  every 
lave  a  long  score 
yet  I  never  will- 
without  remorse 
lould  avoid  it,  I 
I  have  done  it, 
dark  fate,  over 
I  on  to  my  des- 
irs  of  the  night, 
by  my  hand  rise 
backward,  into 
jrtcd  eyes  strain- 
hcd  forth  vainly 
Iheir  death-blow, 
)  the  waves,  re4 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


tl> 


with  human  blood,  their  dying  cry  of  agony  drowned  under 
the  bubbling  waves  !  And  I  start  up,  to  hear  their  white  lip« 
hiss  '  murderer  !'  into  ray  ear !" 

lie  started  to  his  feet,  as  he  spoke,  his  face  livid,  and  great 
drops  of  piuspirntlon  starting  on  his  brow.  Kate  stood,  listen- 
ing, white  with  horror. 

«'  I  know  not  why  I  have  told  all  this  to  you,"  he  said, 
hurriedly,  after  a  pause,  during  which  he  paced  rapidly  up 
and  down — "  except  that  you  remind  me  of  one  I  loved  once 

—one  who  haa  forgotten  me !  Once,  I " 

*^  Sail,  ho!"  cried  the  lookout,  at  this  moment. 
•'■\Vhereaway?"  demanded  Captain   Raymond,  his  whole 
countenance  changing,  as  if  by  magic,  as  he  tuwd  toward 
the  mast  head.  ^^ 

"  On  the  lee  bow,  sir." 
♦'  Can  you  make  her  out?'* 

«'  Ay,  ay,  sir !  A  merchantman,  heavily  loaded !" 
A  cheer  arose  from  the  pirates  at  the  words.  They  had  not 
come  across  a  prize  since  they  started ;  and  frequent  were 
their  oaths  and  murmurs  at  this  want  of  luck,  all  of  which 
they  attributed  to  their  having  women  on  board.  Now,  the 
prospect  of  taking  a  prize  elated  them  beyond  measure,  and 
their  shouts  for  a  moment  were  quite  irrepressible. 

Captain  Eaymond  seized  a  glass  and  sprang  into  the  rig- 
ging. There  was  a  moment's  breathless  pause — all  stood 
eagerly  awaiting  the  result  of  the  scrutiny. 

"It's  a  merchantman!"  ho  exclaimed,  leaping  once  more 
to  the  deck,  '•  bound,  I  take  it,  with  a  valuable  cargo,  from 


•? 


T 


S2Q 


THE  SECRET  SORnOW. 


Jamaica.  All  hau<lB  ahoy !  Crowd  on  all  Hail  after  her— 
■ho  will  bo  a  plorioim  prize  !  Merrily  llicrc,  my  men  !  work 
with  a  will !  Our  gallant  little  brig  will  soon  overtake  yon- 
der overgrown  ship," 

The  men  sprang  willingly  to  their  i)oat ;  and  a  few  mo- 
ments after,  the  piratca  were  rapidly  giving  chasoto  the  hcav- 
Uy-laden  ship.  1'aptain  Raymond  paced  the  qimrtcr-deck 
rapidly,  now  nnd  then  raising  his  glass  to  examine  the  mer- 
chantman. 
ii;  "Mast-head,    ahoy!"  ho  shouted,  after  a  pause,  during 

which  the  men  stood  eagerly  regarding  their  prize. 

"Ay,  ay,  sir!"  came  from  the  cross-trees. 

"  Can  YOU  make  her  out  any  plainer !" 

"  Yc8,1^.     She's  nn  Knglish  merchantman." 

"Ilowfarisshe  off?" 

"Nearly  two  miles,  sir." 

Again  the  pirate  cr.ptain  regarded  the  stranger  through  his 
glass'.     Then,  lowering  it,  he  muttered  : 

"  About  that,  I  fan>  V ;  and  the  moon  is  rising  now.  By 
the  time  we  overhaul  li^.,  it  will  bo  clear  as  day.  So  much 
the  better  for  us,  ami  so  much  tho  worse  for  her !" 

As  ho  spoke,  ho  approached  Kate,  who  stood  watching 
with  breathless  interest,  the  chase.  Touching  her  on  tho 
shoulder,  he  said,  hurriedly,  as  he  passed  : 

"  There  may  be  danger  at  hand — you  had  better  go  below !" 

In  a  moment  he  was  gone,  and  giving  his  directions  rapidly 
at  tlie  other  end  of  the  brig  to  nis  men.  Kate  looked  after 
him  a  moment,  and  then  turned  again  to  watcli  the  result  of 


■'^^ 


TtST" 


Bail  after  her— 
my  men !  work 
i  overtake  yon- 

ftiul  a  few  mo- 
aso  to  the  heav- 
»c  quartcr-cleck 
Lamino  tlio  mcr- 

pause,  during 
)rizo. 


ger  througli  his 

ising  now.     By 

day.     So  much 

ler!" 

stood  watching 

ng  her  on  the 

iter  go  below!" 
rections  rapidly 
;e  looked  after 
lb  the  result  of 


TTTB  SECnET  SORROW. 


291 


the  chase,  wUh  an  intercut  scarcely  Inferior  to  that  of  the  pi- 
rates tbemscives. 

"  Heaven  grant  they  may  escape  !"  was  her  fervent  ejacu- 
lation, as  slic  glanced  at  the  kindling  eyes  and  fierce  faces  of 
the  pirate  crew. 

The  moon  had  now  risen  in  its  radiant  splendor,  flootling 
the  sea  with  silvery  light.  It  was  a  lovely  night ;  every  ob- 
ject could  bo  seen  as  plainly  as  by  day,  as  the  pirate  brig 
rapidly  approached  the  merchantman. 

As  the  men  passed  to  and  fro  on  their  various  errands 
across  the  deck,  Kate  caught  the  sullen  looks  of  discontent 
and  fierce  glances  bestowed  upon  her,  now  and  then  accom- 
panied by  a  low  growl  or  a  smotb^rcd  curse.  Still  she  re- 
mained too  deeply  excited  by  the  chase  and  the  thought  of 
the  approaching  contest  to  quit  the  deck. 

«'  This  is  no  place  for  you — there  is  danger  at  hand!  Go 
Delow!" 

Kate  looked  up  ;  it  was  Captain  Raymond  who  had  rapidly 
spoken  the  words  as  he  passed.  There  was  a  kindling  light 
in  his  eyes,  and  an  impetuous  tone  in  his  voice  that  she  had ' 
never  lieard  there  before.  And  still  eho  lingered,  unhaeding 
the  fierce  growls  and  oaths  from  the  pirates,  which  were 
every  moment  growing  louder.  The  intense  anxiety  for  the 
fate  of  the  Englishman  overcame  every  other  feeling,  and 
she  remained. 

The  two  vessels  were  now  within  a  short  distance  of  each 
other,  and  Kate  could  almost  distinguish  the  throng  of  fonsB 
leaning  over  the  bulwarks  of  the  merchantman. 

19*      . 


^^ 


T 


\ 


i'U      L 

I  ; 
■ti  i 


22d 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


"  By  my  soul,  this  will  be  a  glorious  night's  work  I"  cried 
the  voice  of  the  pirate  chief,  at  a  little  distance  fmm  where 

she  stood.     "She  will  be  a  splendid  prize!    Ha!  there  goes 
her  flag!"  ^ 

As  he  spoke  it  fluttered  for  a  moment  on  its  way,  and  the 
next,  the  red  cross  of  St.  George  floated  proudly  from  the 
ship  s  peak.     The  next  instant  she  fired  a  gun. 

"  That's  a  polite  hint  for  us  to  show  our  bunting  "'  cried 
the  pirate  chief.  '« Hallo,  Simon!  up  with  the  black 
flag!" 

A  shout  arose  from  the  pirate  crew,  and  the  next  moment 
the  ominous  black  flag  with  its  skuU  and  cross-bones,  flut- 
tered  in  the  night  breeze. 

There  was  a  moment's  death-like  silence;  then  Kate  fan- 
cied  something  like  a  groan  of  despair  came  "from  the  mer- 
chantman.  It  might  be  fancy,  however,  for  the  next  moment 
a  fierce  shout  of  defiance  arose  from  the  brave  English 
crew.  ° 

"By  aU  the  fiends,  they  shall  repent  this  boldness"' 
shouted  the  pirate  captain,  maddened  by  the  taunt.    "  Ahoy 
my  men !  take  your  stations  for  working  ship.    We'll  rake 
her  fore  and  aft." 

The  men  flew  to  obey  the  order,  and  Captain  Raymond  ap- 
proached  the  spot  where  Kat*e  still  stood.  As  he  cau«.ht 
sight  of  her  he  advanced,  and  said  sternly : 

"Why  will  you  be  so  obstinate?  Don  t  yon  see  you  are 
creating  disorder  among  my  men  ?    Go  below  ?  ' 

Kate  dared  disobey  no  longer.    Casting  one  look  after  the 


ijittl^ 


-^ 


PT. 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


S28 


night's  work !"  cried 
distance  from  where 
!e !    Ha !  there  goes 

on  its  way,  and  the 
[i  proudly  from  the 
1  gun. 

our  bunting  I"  cried 
p    with    the    blaclc 

d  the  next  moment 
d  cross-bones,  flut- 

36  ;  then  Kate  fan- 
ime  "from  the  mer- 
3r  the  next  moment 
the  brave  English 

it  this  boldness!" 
lie  taunt.  "Ahoy, 
ship.    We'll  rake 

•tain  Raymond  ap- 
:!■     As  he  caught 

you  see  yon  are 
ow?' 

one  look  after  the 


brave  merchantman,  she  turned  and  descended  to  the  cabin. 
Syra  stood  in  the  middle  of  the  floor,  her  hands  clasped,  her 
eyes  almost  straining  from  their  very  sockets,  and  listening 
intently  to  every  sound ;  Kate  knelt  down  and  covered  her 
face  with  her  hands,  as,  with  a  sickening  feeling  of  horror, 
she  waited  for  the  conflict  to  commence. 

The  few  moments  that  followed  seemed  to  her  like  ages. 
She  could  hear  the  hurrying  to  and  fro,  the  tramp  of  many 
feet,  the  confused  mingling  of  voices,  and,  clear  and  distinct 
as  the  tones  of  a  trumpet,  the  clear,  commanding  voice  of  the 
pirate  captain,  high  over  all. 

The  restraint  grew  intolerable.  Kate's  high  spirit  chafed 
liked  a  caged  lion  at  the  restraint.  Springing  to  her  feet,  at 
length,  she  exclaimed : 

"  I  mil  see ! '  and  she  cautiously  ascended  the  cabin  stairs. 
Here,  crouching  in  the  shadow,  she  was  about  to  remain, 
when  a  deafening  uproar,  as  though  heaven  itself  was  anni- 
hilated, crashed  upon  her  ear,  as  the  merchantman,  suddenly 
turning  discharged  her  whole  broadside  on  the  pirate  brig. 

For  an  instant,  the  air  was  filled  with  the  shrieks  of  t!ae 
dying  and  the  groans  of  the  wounded,  mingled  with  the  cries 
of  rage  and  fierce  oaths  of  the  survivors. 

"  Death  to  the  murdering  dogs !  Onward !  my  men — fol- 
low me!"  shouted  the  pirate  chief,  hoarse  with  rage,  as  he 
sprang  from  the  rigging  uf  his  own  ship,  sword  in  hand,  into 
that  of  the  merchantman,  followed  by  his  blood-thiraty 
crew. 

For  a  few  moments  the  carnage  was  awful.    Shouts,  oaths, 


T 


221 


TSE  6£CBi;T  dbftBOW. 


■f! 


r  I 


shrieks,  and  groans,  mingled  in  horrible  discord  with  the 
clash  of  steel  and  the  report  of  fire-arms.  The  deck  of  the 
doomed  ship  was  littcrally  slippery  with  blood,  and  the  waves 
around  were  purple  with  the  same  bloody  hue. 

"Onwaid!  my  men;  slay,  and  spare  not!"  called  the 
fierce  tones  of  the  pirate  chief,  as  the  crew  of  the  merchant- 
man fled,  like  grass  before  the  mower,  beneath  the  rapid 
blows  of  his  sword. 

"  For  God  and  St.  George !  death  to  the  pirates '"  shouted 
the  brave  Knglishmcn,  as  they  met,  hand  to  hand,  with  the 
pirates  in  the  conflict. 

Bravely  the  gallant  crew  of  the  merchantman  fought,  fall- 
ing but  fighting  to  the  last.  Slowly,  but  surely,  overpowered 
by  superior  numbers,  they  retreated  toward  the  round-house — 
the  deck  growing  crimson  with  blood  as  they  went,  and  the 
gallant  band  slowly,  but  surely,  decreasing. 

Suddenly  they  fled,  and  the  pirates  closely  wedged  to- 
gether, and,  unable  to  retreat,  saw  themselves  standing  by 
the  yawning  muzzle  of  a  brass  eightcen-pounder,  loaded  ta 
the  throat  with  grape.  There  was  a  seconds  death-like 
pause ;  then  the  clear,  calm  voice  of  Captain  Raymond 
shouted,  as  he  sprang  forward,  pistol  in  hand : 

"  Down  wiih  the  gunner !" 

But  he  was  too  late.  Even  as  he  spoke,  with  a  deafening 
roar  it  was  discharged,  dealing  death  through  the  densely- 
crowded  pirates,  cutting  a  lane  right  through  their  center. 
At  the  same  moment  a  ball  went  crashing  through  th«  ikuU 
of  tbo  2<''<}^<^i'i  fi'om  the  pistol  of  the  pirate  chief. 


II  I 


«'  .£  i*  >&?"^»-jS'*fl«!'-  - 


discord  with  the 
The  deck  of  the 
od,  and  the  waves 
tic. 

not!"  called  the 

of  the  merchant- 

beneath  the  rapid 

pirates'"  shouted 
to  hand,  with  the 

ntman  fought,  fall- 

urely,  overpowered 

the  round-house — 

they  went,  and  the 

g- 

closely  wedged  to- 

selves  standing  by 

-pounder,  loaded  to 

second's  death-like 

Captain  Raymond 

hand: 

:e,  with  a  deafening 
hrough  the  densely- 
hrough  their  center, 
ig  through  th«  tkuU 
ate  chief. 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


226 


♦'  For  God  and  our  country !  Death  to  the  pirates  !"  cried 
the  crew  of  the  merchantman,  exultingly,  as  they  sprang 
from  their  retreat,  dealing  death  among  the  still  astonished 
rovers. 

"  Slain  the  best  man  in  my  crew !"  shouted  the  pirate  chief, 
frenzied  with  rage,  as  the  man  Simon  fell  dead  at  his  feet, 
warding  off  a  blow  aimed  at  the  young  captain's  life.  "  Fol- 
low me,  men!  No  quarter  to  the  murderers!  Slay,  and 
spare  not !" 

"  Death  to  the  pirates  T  came  defiantly  back  from  the  brave 
handful,  who  alone  remained  of  the  numerous  crew  of  the 
Englishman. 

With  one  concentrated  yell  of  rage,  the  maddened  pirates 
sprang  upon  them-  The  carnage — for  such  it  now  was — grew 
terrific ;  one  ■  by  one,  the  crew  of  the  English  ship  were 
butchered  and  cast  overboard — a  few  crimson  bubbles  mark- 
ing  for  a  moment  the  spot  where  they  had  sunk,  as  they,  one 
by  one,  disappeared  forever.  And,  high  over  all,  still  arose 
the  voice  of  Captain  Raymond,  with  the  death-cry  of  the 
Englishmen ; 

"  JDeaih  to  the  murderers  P' 

Like  one  in  some  horrible  trance,  Kate.stood  with  straining 
eye-balls,  and  face  blanched  to  the  hue  of  death,  immovable 
as  a  statue,  watching  the  fearful  carnage.  For  the  first  time 
she  realized  they  were  really  pirates,  and  he — whom,  in  spite 
of  all,  she  had  esteemed — he,  the  worst  of  all !  Oh !  tlie 
dreadful  feeling  of  horror  tliat  filled  her  heart,  and  rooted 
her  to  the  spot,  as  she  watched  him  dealing  death  around. 


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THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


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♦•  Hurra!  hurra!  hurra!"  came  cxultingly  from  the  pirate 
crew,  as  the  last  of  the  merchantmen  were  cast  overboard. 

Yes,  they  had  conquered ;  but  the  victory  was  dearly 
bought.  More  than  half  theh'  own  crew  lay  dead  and  dying 
on  the  deck  of  the  ship. 

The  p' rates  now  began  busily  carrying  their  wounded  com- 
panions to  their  own  vessel,  while  the  remainder  employed 
themselves  in  transporting  everything  valuable  from  their 
prize.  She  proved  to  be  the  Lady  Mary,  of  Liverpool, 
bound  from  Jamaica  home,  with  a  cargo  of  sugar,  rum,  and 
coffee,  and  a  large  amount  of  other  valuables.  These  were 
quickly  conveyed  on  board  the  Water  Witch ;  and  then,  set- 
ting Are  to  the  doomed  ship,  the  pirates  held  on  their  course. 

It  seemed  to  Kate  as  though  the  whole  affair  was  the  work 
of  a  moment.  The  moonlight  still  fell  as  calmly  over  the 
waves  as  before;  but  the  burning  merchantman  before  her 
showed  it  to  be  but  too  dreadful  a  reality.  Rapidly  the  fire 
spread  on  its  devouring  course,  now  licking  its  forked  tongue 
ai'ound  the  tapering  masts — now  bursting  foi-th  here  and  there 
in  different  parts  of  the  vessel — now  shooting  straight  up- 
ward in  a  red,  lurid  column,  and,  anon,  winding  its  deadly 
coils,  like  the  folds  of  a  serpent,  around  the  ship.  Suddenly, 
li  bright,  lurid  column  of  fire  shot  upward,  tinging  the  sky 
crimson ;  then  followed  an  appalling  crash,  that  seemed  to 
rend  the  very  heavens,  as  the  magazine  exploded.  The 
pirate  brig  herself,  though  already  hull  down  in  the  horizon, 
quivered  and  trembled  in  every  joint,  at  the  terrific  explosion. 
The  next  moment  the  waves  were  flowing  peacefully  ovei  uie 


i       ■ 


ngly  from  the  pirate 
3rc  cast  overboard. 

victoi7  was  clearly 
V  lay  dead  and  dying 

g  their  wounded  corn- 
remainder  employed 
valuable  from  their 
Mary,  of   Liverpool, 
p  of  sugar,  rum,  and 
luables.     These  were 
/Fitch ;  and  then,  set- 
}  held  on  their  course, 
lie  affair  was  the  work 
ell  as  calmly  over  the 
jrchantmaa  before  her 
ility.     Rapidly  the  fire 
3king  its  forked  tongu* 
ng  forth  here  and  there 
r  shooting  straight  up- 
on, winding  its  deadly 
d  the  ship.     Suddenly, 
)ward,  tinging  the  sky 
crash,  that  seemed  to 
izine  exploded.     The 
11  down  in  the  horizon, 
it  the  terrific  explosion, 
ing  peacefully  ov«i  tiia 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Is? 


spot  where  the  doomed  ship  went  down,  as  though  death  and 
destruction  had  never  been  there.  The  moonlight  shone  as 
calmly  and  peacefully  over  the  bright  waters  as  though  they 
bad  never  been  dyed  with  human  blood. 


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4: 


THE  SECRET  SOBROW. 


CHAPTER  XVm. 

AN  UNEXPECTED  MEETIKO. 

"  His  voice  is  low — his  smile  is  sweet- 
He  had  a  girl's  blue  eyes  : 

And  yet,  I  would  far  rather  meet 
The  storm  in  yonder  ckies. 

Great  God !  the  sights  that  I  have  seen 

When  far  upon  the  main  I 
I'd  rather  that  my  death  had  beer. 

Than  sec  those  sights  again." 

It  was  a  pleasant  afternoon,  about  a  week  after  the  event 
recorded  in  the  last  chapter.  Since  that  fatal  night  Kate  had 
carefully  shunned  the  pirate  captain,  with  a  feeling  almost  of 
loathing.  She  knew  now  that  those  mournful  blue  eyes  that 
had  so  interested  her  could  light  up  with  the  fire  of  death— 
that  low,  musical  voice  could  shout  the  death-cry  of  his  vic- 
tims. There  was  blood  on  his  hand  and  death  in  his  heart, 
and  Kate  could  never  feel  toward  him  again  as  she  had  once 


It  was  evident  that  he  noticed  it,  but  it  was  equally  evident 
that  it  troubled  him  little.  There  was  an  easy  indifference- 
proud,  yet  careless  in  his  manner  toward  her,  that  seemed  to 
imply  that  though  he  felt  bound  to  treat  her  as  a  lady,  ye-  he 
was  perfectly  unconcerned  as  to  what  she  might  think  of  him 


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week  after  the  event 
It  fatal  night  Kate  had 
ith  a  feeling  almost  of 
ournful  blue  eyes  that 
ith  the  fire  of  death — 

death-cry  of  his  vic- 
id  aeath  in  his  heart, 
again  as  she  had  once 

t  it  was  equally  evident 
an  easy  indifference — 
trd  her,  that  seemed  to 
ither  asalady,  ye-he 
she  might  think  of  him 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


229 


or  hia  actions.  His  days  were  mostly  spent  in  gazing  idly 
over  the  side  of  the  vessel,  or  chatting  with  his  second  in 
command — a  young  Spaniard,  whose  sinister  look  had  from 
the  first  made  Kate  dislike  him.  As  for  her,  she  usually 
spent  her  days  in  the  cabin,  sometimes  reading,  and  some- 
times thinking  of  the  dear  ones  at  home.  Here  she  had  no 
one  to  disturb  her  reflections,  for  the  quadroon  generally 
passed  the  day  upon  deck,  happy  to  be  near  the  young  captain, 
when  her  rival,  as  she  considered  Kate,  was  out  of  sight. 

But  at  night,  lying  awake  on  her  restless  couch,  she  would 
hear  a  light,  firm  footstep,  pacing  up  and  down  the  opposite 
state-room,  occupied  by  Captain  Raymond.  Sometimes,  too, 
m  the  clear,  moonlight  nights,  when  unable  to  sleep,  she 
would  steal  on  deck,  and  seating  herself  under  the  shadow  of 
Bome  projection,  watch  the  tall,  slight  figure  of  the  young 
chieftain,  as  he  paced  restlessly  up  and  down  the  quarter- 
deck, unconscious  of  the  eyes  regarding  him.  Often,  at  such 
times,  she  would  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  shadowy  form  and 
wild,  black  eyes  of  the  quadroon,  as  she  crouched  in  some 
corner,  watching  and  waiting  with  him  she  loved  so,  "vainly 
and  so  well."  Both  were  waiting  and  watching  for  what 
never  came — waiting  for  the  sun  to  rise  on  the  dark  night  of 
their  inner  lives.  For,  spite  of  herself  at  such  times,  her 
heart  would  go  out  to  those  two — one  wrapped  in  his  hidden 
grief  and  remorse  as  in  a  mantle  ;  the  other  waiting,  so  sadly 
and  so  patien.^y,  in  her  deep,  earnest  love  ;  but  both  waiting 
in  vain.  Tlie  bright  hue  of  health  was  gradually  fading  from 
Syra's  dark  cheek ;  the  splendid  Syrian  eyes  were  fast  losing 


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their  luster ;  a  shaclow  lay  on  her  darkly  beautiful  face  ;  there 
was  a  languor  in  her  manner  that  showed  bow  her  strength 
was  wasting,  with  the  llcrce  fire  within  her  passionate  heart,. 
Watching  her,  Kate  would  think  of  the  words  of  the  poet: 

<•  Love's  light  has  fled  from  her  eye  and  cheek, 
To  burn  and  die  in  the  heart  they  seek. 
Alat !  that  bo  often  the  grave  «hould  bo 
The  seal  of  woman's  fidelity !" 

And  the  grave  was  destined  to  be  the  seal  of  Syra's,  too. 

But  this  pleasant  afternoon,  Kate  had  deserted  the  cabin 
for  the  deck ;  and,  leaning  back  in  her  scat,  she  watched, 
dreamily,  the  foam  dancing  in  the  sunlight,  as  the  brig  cut 
her  way  rapidly  through  the  bright  waves. 

"  SaU,  ho !"  called  the  man  at  the  cross-tirees,  in  startling 

tones. 

Captain  Raymond,  who  was  leaning  idly  over  the  side  of 
the  brig,  smoking  a  cigar,  now  sprang  into  the  rigging,  and 
scanned  the  horizon  in  every  direction. 

•'  I  cannot  make  it  out,"  he  said,  hastily.    "  In  what  di- 

rection  is  it!" 
"  Standing  to  the  eastward,  sir ;  another  merchantman,  I 

think." 

A  feeling  of  sickness  came  over  Kate,  as  she  thotight  that 
the  tenible  scene  before  witnessed  was  about  to  be  repeated. 

"  Yes,  yes ;  I  can  see  her  plainly  now,"  said  Captain  Eay- 
mond,  sweeping  the  horizon  with  his  glass.  "  Yes,  she  ia  a 
merchantman,  most  decidedly.    We  seem  destined  to  me£* 


•autiful  face ;  there 
bow  her  strength 
:r  passionate  heart,, 
jrds  of  the  poet : 

!  and  check, 

cek. 

dbe 


of  Syra's,  too. 
deserted  the  eabin 
scat,  she  watched, 
;ht,  as  the  brig  cut 

ss-treea,  in  startling 

ily  over  the  side  of 
ato  the  rigging,  and 

stily.    "In  what di- 

;her  xnerchantmaQi  I 

,  as  she  thought  that 
ibout  to  be  repeated. 
■,"  said  Captain  Ray- 
iss.  "  Yes,  she  t"«  a 
;em  destined  to  meet 


IHE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Ml 


uo  other  kind  of  vessels  this  cruise,  Mr.  Mondalvi,"  he  ad- 
dud,  turning  with  a  laugh  to  his  second  in  command. 

"  All  the  more  the  merrier,  Senor  Captain, '  said  Mondal- 
vi, in  his  pcculiar,sneering  voice,  and  strong  foreign  accent; 
"  our  swords  are  growing  rusty  in  tlu  •     scabbards  for  want 

of  work." 

"  Call  all  hands  on  deck,"  said  Captain  Raymond. 

Then  turning,  he  walked  over  to  Kate  ;  he  lifted  his  hat, 
and  said,  courteously,  but  with  brief  sternness. 

"  As  I  had  some  difflculty  in  making  you  go  below  during 
the  last  engagement,  I  must  i)revent  your  presence  on  deck 
this  time ;  for,  as  you  see,  we  arc  about  to  give  chase  to 
yonder  ship,  and  an  engagement  will  probably  lake  place. 
Therefore,  Miss  Sidney,  you  will  excuse  me  if  I  insist  on 
seeing  you  to  your  cabin  and  locking  you  in.  Sailors  are 
proverbially  superstitious,  and  my  men  consider  your  presence 
on  deck  during  battle  as  an  omen  of  ill-luck.  Besides, 
scenes  of  bloodshed  and  death  arc  hardly  fitted  for  a  la-Jy'a 

gentle  eyes." 

"  Nor  for  the  eyes  of  any  civilized  being  are  such  scenes 
of  murder  fit— for  it  does  not  deserve  the  name  of  battle," 
said  Kate,  with  spirit—"  a  gang  of  outlawed  pirates  to  plun- 
der the  vessels  of  then-  own  country,  and  murder  the  brave 
crews  for  defending  them.  M  t  such  scenes  arc  hardly  Qtted 
for  civilized  eyes!" 

His  eyes  flashed  and  his  face  flushed  hotly,  as  he  bit  his 
lip  to  keep  down  hia  rising  passion. 

*'  You  ftr«  my  guest,  Miss  Sidney,?  he  said,  after  a  pause, 


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THE  SECKET  SORROW. 


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•'and  as  such  are  privileged  to  say  what  yon  pleaso.  But 
were  it  a  man  who.  had  spoken  thus,  rest  assured  he  should 
never  speak  again." 

Kate  saw  the  struggle  ho  made  to  suppress  his  anger  and 
speak  calmly ;  and,  somewhat  alarmed  at  her  imprudence, 
she  said,  more  calmly  : 

"  I  will  go  to  the  cabin  myself ;  your  escort  thither  is  quite 
unnecessary.  You  may  lock  the  door,  if  you  please ;  but  as 
I  have  no  intention  of  leaving  it,  the  trouble  will  be  use- 
less." 

«'I  shall  not  lock  it;  Miss  Sidney's  word  is  sacred,"  he 
said,  lifting  his  hat  politely,  and  stepping  aside  to  aUow  her 

to  pass. 

Kate  bowed  coldly  and  haughtily,  and  descended  to  the 
cabin.  Syra  lay  on  the  sofa  in  a  deep  sleep— that  sleep  re- 
sembling  death  in  its  profoundness,  for  which  all  of  her  race 
are  so  remarkable.  Kate  sighed  as  she  noticed  the  smooth 
brow  contracted,  as  though  in  pain,  and  the  care-worn  look 
on  her  beautiful  features.  Poor  Syia  1  She  loved,  indeed, 
"  not  wisely,  but  too  well." 

Sinking  on  her  knees,  Xate  buried  her  face  in  her  bands, 
to  shut  out,  as  it  were,  even  from  herself,  the  terrible  vision 
of  the  approaching  conflict.  She  knew  by  the  orders  given, 
and  the  sounds  on  deck,  that  they  were  rapidly  approaching 
the  ship ;  and,  in  trembling  expectation,  she  awaited  the 
opening  of  the  conflict. 

Thus  an  hour  passed  away,  every  moment  dragging  on  like 
an  age ;  and  then  the  uproar  of  the  battle  commenced.    Kate 


"SSS^ 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


188 


t  you  pleaso.  But 
assured  he  should 

ess  his  anger  and 
t  her  imprudence, 

jort  thither  is  quite 
you  please ;  but  as 
rouble  will  be  use- 

rord  is  sacred,"  he 
aside  to  allow  her 

descended  to  the 
icp — that  sleep  re- 
hich  all  of  her  race 
loticed  the  smooth 
the  care-worn  look 
She  loved,  indeed, 

face  in  her  bands, 
,  the  terrible  vision 
ly  the  orders  given, 
rapidly  approaching 
a,  she  awaited  the 

snt  dragging  on  like 
I  commenced.    Kate 


sprang  to  her  feet,  with  the  strong,  almost  uncontrollable  im- 
pulse to  fly  on  deck ;  but  the  remembrance  of  her  promise 
given  to  the  young  captain  restrained  her.  Naturally  fear- 
less, and  come  of  a  bravo,  liigh-blooded  race,  it  was  with 
wild  excitement  that  she  paced  to  and  fro  the  narrow  limits. 
Tlio  noise  awoke  Syra,  who  sprang  to  her  feet,  with  a  wild 
shriek  ;  but  Kate,  in  her  excitement,  scarcely  licard  her. 

Gradually  there  came  a  lull,  and  the  thought,  "They  are 
boarding  her !"  flaslied  across  Kate's  mind.  She  was  right. 
The  pirates,  like  a  swnrm  oJ  bcca,  crowded  on  the  deck  of 
the  merchantman,  headed  by  their  flcry  young  commander. 
Suddenly  his  eye  fell  upon  the  form  of  an  elderly  gentleman, 
who  stood  fighting  bravely  with  a  burly  pirate.  It  was  the 
Earl  of  Daneraorc — who,  as  the  reader  well  knows,  was 
bouud  for  Cuba.  The  eagle  eye  of  tlie  young  captain  saw  that 
he  was  fast  sinking,  though  still  fighting  bravely,  before  the 
fast-falling  blows  of  his  younger  and  stronger  opponent. 
Already  the  sword  of  the  pirate  was  raised  to  deal  the  earl's 
death-blow,  when,  with  a  sudden  spring,  the  young  captain 
darted  forward  and  struck  up  the  weapon  of  the  pirate.  Then, 
springing  on  a  gun-carriage,  he  raised  a  small  bugle,  which 
always  himg  at  his  belt,  and  blew  a  cl«ar,  loud  blast.  Tliere 
was  a  momentary  pause  in  the  conflict  at  the  sound,  and  then 
the  voice  of  the  pirate  chief  shouted: 

"  Back,  my  men !     Let  the  conflict  cease  I" 
Surprised  at  an  order  which  tl\?y  had  never  received  before, 
but  accustomed  to  implicit  obedience,  the  savage  pirates,  in 
the  very  act  .of  victory,  di-ew  back,  and  sullenly  lowered  their 

20»     • 


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1(4  THE  SiECRKT  SORROW. 

reeking  swords.  Still  more  amazed,  the  crew  of  the  mer- 
cbantman  awaited  tlie  result  of  this  unexpected  dclivcrence 
from  dcatli. 

Approaching  the  carl,  Captain  Raymond  touched  him  on 
the  shoulder  and  said,  sternly  : 

♦'A  word  with  you,  if  you  pleosc,  my  lord!" 

Thunder-struck  that  he  should  be  known  to  the  leader  of  a 
gang  of  pirates,  the  carl  followed  him  to  a  retired  part  of  the 
ressel,  where  they  were  screened  from  the  view  of  the  others. 
For  a  moment  the  two  stood  gazing  io  each  other's  faoes ; 
then  the  earl  said : 

"Well,  Sir  Pirate,  what  have  you  to  say  to  me,  or  how 
come  you  to  know  mo  ?" 

For  reply,  the  young  captain  took  ofF  his  hat,  and  shook 
back  the  bright  locks  from  his  white  forehead.  Then,  look- 
ing the  earl  full  in  the  face,  he  said,  quietly : 

"  Do  you  not  know  mef 

For  a  moment  the  earl  gazed  into  the  proud,  handsome 
face  of  the  young  rover-chief  like  one  in  a  dream ;  then, 
slowly,  an  expression  of  horror  unspeakable  camo  over  his 
face  ;  his  eyes  seemed  starting  from  their  sockets  ;  his  face 
grew  ghastly,  his  lips  bloodless,  and  with  the  piercing  cry, 
"Oh,  Heaven!  oh,  heaven!"  ho  reeled,  and  would  have 
fallen  had  not  the  young  captain  caught  hun  in  his  arms. 
Laying  him  gently  on  the  deck,  ho  turned  to  his  men,  and, 
waving  his  sword  in  the  air,  he  cried:  "Come,on!'  and  in 
another  moment  ho  was  on  the  declc  of  his  own  vessel. 

There  was  an  expression  on  his  face  that  made  their  heart* 


crew  of  the  mer- 
:poctC(l  dclivcrenca 

kd  touched  him  on 

Td !" 

1  to  the  leader  of  » 

retired  part  of  the 

view  of  the  others. 

Itch  other's  faces; 

say  to  me,  or  how 

liis  hat,  and  shook 
lead.    Then,  look< 

proud,  handsome 
in  a  dream  ;  then, 
,ble  camo  over  his 

sockets ;  his  face 
I  the  piercing  cry, 
,  and  would  have 
b  him  in  his  arms, 
d  to  his  men,  and, 
Come, on ! '  and  in 
}  own  vessel. 
,t  made  their  bearta 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


186 


stand  still.  They  dared  not  disobey  ;  one  by  one  they  fol- 
lowed their  leader,  and  half  an  hour  later  tlicy  had  loft  the 
merchantman  far  behind.  Hewildering  as  it  all  was,  they 
dared  not  ask  the  reason,  for  there  was  a  look  in  the  young 
captain's  face  that  they  had  never  seen  there  before.  With 
a  strange,  frigid  calmness,  he  gave  a  few  directions  to  his 
second  in  command,  and  then,  descending  to  his  private  room, 
he  locked  the  door. 

And  all  through  that  long  night  Kate  heard  that  quick, 
restless  tread  she  knew  "o  well— up  and  down,  up  and  down, 
without  csaslng,  tlio  live-long  night. 


,^i>V    #rt»-*- 


TTli^l  1 


THE  SECRET  SOBROW. 


CHAPTER  XrX. 


JEALOUST. 

"  Aht  poor,  unconscious  rival  maid. 
How  dreadfully  must  thou  sicken  and  fade, 
'Neath  Jealousy's  dark  upas  shade !" — Tupper. 

The  good  brig  "Water  Witch  was  homeward  bound.  Day 
after  day  passed  on,  each  bringing  th'  n  nearer  Old  England, 
and  with  every  day  Kate's  heart  rose  higher.  She  was 
heartily  tired  of  the  sea,  and  longed  once  more  to  stand  in 
her  native  land,  even  though  it  should  only.be  within  the 
walls  of  the  old  Moor  Manor. 

To  the  pirate  crew  it  evidently  gave  little  satisfaction,  as 
Kate  judged  by  the  low  murmurs  and  angry  oaths  they  in- 
dulged in  when  their  leader  was  away,  for  they  dared  not 
murmur  before  him. 

And  he — a  ptrange  change  had  passed  over  him  since  the 
day  he  had  encountered  the  Earl  of  Danemore  on  board  the 
merchantman.  A  deep,  settled  depression,  from  which  noth- 
ing could  arov,se  him,  had  taken  the  place  of  the  easy  good 
humor  which  seemed  natural  to  him — strange  as  it  seemed  in 
a  pirate  chief.  Some  hidden  grief — or,  it  might  be  remorse — 
weighed  on  his  spirit,  coming  not  in  fits  and  starts,  as  it  had 
formerly  done,  but  clinging  to  him  like  a  garment.  He  no 
longer  mingled  with  the  crew — seldom  speaking  to  them,  save 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


287 


1. 

and  fade, 
B !" — Tupper. 

ward  bound.  Day 
earer  Old  England, 
higher.  She  was 
!  more  to  stand  in 
)nly.be  within  the 

ttle  satisfaction,  as 
ngry  oaths  they  in- 
'or  they  dared  not 

over  him  since  the 
more  on  board  the 
a,  from  which  noth- 
se  of  the  easy  good 
nge  as  it  seemed  in 
might  be  remorse — 
nd  starts,  as  it  had 
a  garment.  He  no 
aking  to  them,  save 


to  give  some  necessary  order,  and  then  again  relapsing  into 

gloomy  silence. 

The  long,  weary  vigils  and  night-watches  grew  more  and 
more  frequent;  and,  night  after  night,  that  rapid,  nervous 
tread  continued,  until  Kate  began,  at  last,  to  wonder  if  he 

ever  slept? 

"  Remorse !"  thought  Kate—"  the  worm  that  never  dies, 
yet  God's  best  gift  to  man,  preys  on  his  heart ;"  and,  woman- 
like, with  this  conviction  on  her  mind,  she  forgot,  in  her 
deep  sympathy,  his  dark  crimes.  Let  his  guilt  be  what  it 
might,  he  had,  evidently,  suffered  for  it,  long  and  deeply; 
and  sorrow  goes  far  to  atone  for  guilt.  Then,  too,  the  words 
of  a  certain  good  old  book  recurred  to  her  mind :  "Let  him 
who  is  without  sin  cast  the  first  stone  ;"  and  Kate,  forgetting 
all,  would  have  given  worlds  to  remove  the  deep-settled  sor- 
row from  those  dark,  mournful,  blue  eyes. 

So  Kate  no  longer  shunned  his  society,  but  sought  it  on 
every  occasion— from  no  other  impulse  save  the  kind  of  di- 
verting his  mind  from  its  settled  gloom.     But  there  was  one 
on  board  who  looked  upon  her  changed  manner  in  a  far  dif- 
ferent light.     Syra,  blinded  with  jealousy,  set  it  all  down  to 
love.     Every  word— every  action  of  liate  or  of  Captain  Ray- 
mond, was  distorted  by  her  half-crazed  imagination,  with  still 
another  indication  of  mutual  love.      Jealousy  is  Argus-eyed ; 
not  a  word,  not  a  look  of  either  escaped  her-all  were 
cherished  in  her  burning  memory,  adding  fuel  to  the  fire  of 
hef  sleepless  iealousy.     Often   sitting  talking   to  Captain 
Raymond,  Kate,  on  looking  up  suddenly,  would  see  the  dusky 


n  HI  II  iif 'P  mitrntUm-^imimm 

«V  >"!•!•• 


JSSSS 


iril 


238  THE  SECRET  SORBOW. 

form  of  the  quadroon  crouching  in  a  comer,  watching  them 
with  eyes  of  fire.  There  was  something  so  fiendish  in  her 
beautiful  countenance  at  such  times,  that  a  sensation  ap- 
proaching fear  would  cross  Kate's  fearless  heart ;  but  only  to 
be  shaken  off,  as  a  childish  fancy.  Sometimes  she  would  b* 
on  the  point  of  striving  to  reason  away  those  jealous  fears, 
and  show  her  how  absurd  they  were ;  but  Kate  Sidney,  after 
all,  had  her  faulta,  and  predominant  among  them  was  an 
overweening  pride.  This  pride  it  was  which  made  her  shrink 
from  it ;  she  could  not  endure  to  place  herself  on  an  equality 
with  one,  who,  notwithstanding  her  peerless  beauty,  was  still 
a  servant.  She  felt  it  would  thus  become  a  humiliation,  and 
one  which  she  had  no  idea  of  enduring.  Besides,  she  shrank 
from  speaking  on  this  sacred  subject  to  the  passionate  quad- 
roon— dreading  some  fiery  outburst  of  passion,  all  the  fiercer 
from  being  so  long  restrained ;  and,  being  no  way  romantic, 
she  had  a  nervous  horror  of  a  scene.  Thus  the  days  passed 
on,  dreary  enough  to  all  parties. 

One  night,  feeling  restless,  Kate  arose,  and,  throwing  on 
a  dressing-gown  of  white  c&shmcrc,  went  on  deck.  It  was  a 
delightful  moonlight  night,  and,  advancing  toward  her  favor- 
ite seat,  she  seated  herself  and  prepared  to  enjoy  the  de- 
licious scene.  The  young  captain  was  below,  in  his  own  state- . 
room,  and  the  night-watch  alone  kept  the  deck.  Suddenly 
she  started,  to  sec  lying  prone  on  her  face  on  the  deck,  her 
thin  garments  fluttering  in  the  night-br«eze,  the  slender  form 
of  Syra.  Her  attitude  was  one  of  such  utter,  abject  woe, 
that,  forgetting  everytliing,  save  that  she  saw  before  her  a 


aer,  watching  them 
so  fiendish  in  her 
at  a  sensation  ap- 
i  heart ;  but  only  to 
times  she  would  b« 
lose  jealous  fears, 
Kate  Sidney,  after 
ong  them  was  an 
ch  made  her  shrink 
•self  on  an  equality 
88  beauty,  was  still 
a  humiliation,  and 
besides,  she  shrank 
e  passionate  quad- 
sion,  all  the  fiercer 
;  no  way  romantic, 
s  the  days  passed 

and,  throwing  on 
an  dock.    It  was  a 

toward  her  favor- 
l  to  enjoy  the  de- 
V,  in  his  own  statc- 
!  deck.  Suddenly 
c  on  the  deck,  her 
,  the  slender  form 
utter,  abject  woe, 

saw  before  her  a 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


289 


suffering  fellow-creature,  Kate  laid  her  band  on  her  shoulder 
and  said,  softly : 

"Syral" 

Shrinking  from  her  touch  as  though  she  bad  been  stung  by 
a  viper,  Syra  sprang  to  her  feet,  almost  shrieking : 

"  Don't  touch  me !  I  hate  you  ! — I  hate  you !" 

Kate  forgot  her  fierce  words,  in  the  look  of  unutterable 
misery  od  her  face,  and  answered,  with  grave  kindness : 

"  Poor  girl !  why  will  you  thus  render  yourself  miserable? 
What  have  I  done  that  you  should  hate  me?' 

"Done!'  screamed  the  quadroon,  her  eyes  blazing  with 
rage ;  "  viper !  serpent !  to  ask  what  you  have  done.  Have 
you  not  won  his  love,  for  which  I  would  give  my  life  and 
soul  ?  have  you  not  come  between  me  and  the  only  being  on 
earth  I  ever  can  or  will  love?  Answer  me,  vile-tongued 
traitor,  have  you  not  done  this?" 

Kate's  whole  frame  quivered  with  suppressed  passion  at 
the  insolent  words  of  the  quadroon,  who  stood  drawn  up  to 
her  full  height,  her  small  hands  clenched,  her  features  con- 
vulsed,  her  great,  black  eyes  blazing  with  rage  and  scorn. 
The  sight  calmed  Kate,  and  she  answered,  after  a  pausei 
with  calm  dignity : 

**NoI  most  decidedly  and  emphatically  not  I  have  dont 
none  of  these  things.  Neither  would  I  answer  the  charge  to 
any  one  but  you ;  it  is  absurd ;  but  you  cannot  see  these 
things  as  they  are — ^you  ore  blinded  and  crazed  by  jealousy ! 
Therefore,  I  once  again  answer  ko  !  I  have  done  none  of 
these  things  with  which  you  charge  me.    I  could  not  stoop  so 


fr*' 


■I  > mi  lUi trgi  i^liMl 

IK  JMi    a  I  II  III  I  II  mil 


240 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


.1    'f*li^ 


low !"  And  Kate's  lip  curled  as  she  drew  herself  haughtily  up 
to  her  full  height. 

"  'Tis  false  !"  screamed  the  quadroon,  purple  with  passion^ 
and  raising  her  clenched  hand,  uj  though  to  strike  her ;  "  you 
know  you  speali  false,  you  white-faced  daughter  of  a  cold- 
blooded race !  Bat  I  swear  by  the  God  you  worship  that  you 
wiU  never  be  his  bride — never!" 

She  hissed  the  last  words  through  her  clenched  te.^th  with 
such  concentrated  rage  that  Kate  was  absolutely  appalled. 
Recovering  herself  by  an  effort,  she  answered  in  the 
same  calm,  dignified  tone  in  which  she  had  spoken  through- 
out: 

"I  have  no  wish  to  be,  neither  has  he  to  make  me  his  wife. 
I  think  that  you,  Syra,  are  much  better  fitted  to  be  a  pirate's 
wife  than  I  am." 

There  was  a  slightly  sarcastic  tone  in  Kate's  voice,  which 
she  could  not  control,  that  absolutely  maddened  the  fiery 
quadroon.  Glaring  upon  her  like  a  tigress,  quivering  with 
rage,  Syra  was  absolutely  unable  to  speak  with  passion. 

Kate  noticed  her  convulsed  face,  and,  unwilling  to  remain 
longer  in  so  humiliating  a  position,  she  arose  and  moved 
with  quiet  dignity  toward  the  cabin,  saying : 

"  Good-night,  Syra ;  I  trust  you  will  think  over  my  words, 
and  by  quiet  reflection  come  to  a  more  reasonable  frame  of 
mind.    Ucil  you  do,  I  will  dispense  with  your  services." 

Before  Syra  could  overcome  her  passion,  Kate  had  entered 
the  cabin,  locking  the  door  after  her ;  for  she  felt  that,  in 
her  present  excited  state,  the  quadroon  might  seek  immedi- 


-^$Si- 


w. 
herself  haughtily  up 

,  purple  with  passion^ 

I  to  strike  her ;  "  you 

daughter  of  a  cold- 

you  worship  that  you 

clenched  te.^th  with 

absolutely  appalled. 

e    answered    in    the 

had  spoken  through- 

to  make  me  his  wife, 
itted  to  be  a  pirate's 

Kate's  voice,  which 
maddened  the  fiery 
gress,  quivering  with 
ik  with  passion, 
unwilling  to  remain 
e  arose  and  moved 
ng: 

hink  over  my  words, 
reasonable  frame  of 
th  your  services." 
}n,  Kate  had  entered 
for  she  felt  that,  in 
might  seek  immedi- 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


241 


ate  revenge.  And  she  was  not  mistaken.  Had  she  not  taken 
the  precaution  to  secure  her  door,  Kate  Sidney  would  never 
have  lived  to  see  the  sun  rise  again. 

*' Foiled?"  muttered  the  quadroon,  as  she  turned  away 
from  Kate's  door,  and  hid  within  her  bosom  a  long,  glittering 
knife.  "Yes,  foiled  now,  but  not  forever.  The  world  is 
not  wide  enough  to  hold  her  and  me ;  one  or  the  other  of  us 
will  never  live  to  see  the  land.  He  is  lost  to  me  forever ;  I 
can  no  longer  doubt  it ;  but  the  one  he  loves  shall  feel  the 
weight  of  my  vengeance." 

And  gliding  away,  she  resumed  her  lonely  watch  on  deck ; 
but  there  was  a  wild,  lurid  light,  like  that  of  a  serpent,  in  her 
black  eyes,  that  betokened  the  smoldering  fire-passion  had  at 
last  burst  into  a  fierce  flame. 

21 


"W^ 


-t 


»M  III   _fi     iir^n  ^mii 


t4S 


THB  SECRET  SORROW. 


I. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

IEjE  QCADRbON'S  REVENGE. 

"  One  more  unfortunate, 

Rashly  importunate, 

Gone  to  her  death."  • 

It  was  a  glorious  moonlight  uight.  One  by  one  the  stars 
camr  out,  studding  lilcc  diamonds  the  deep  blue  sky.  Serene* 
ly  calm,  the  lady  moon  sailed  on  her  way,  smiling  as  brightly 
on  the  deck  of  the  pirate  brig  as  on  the  most  aristocratic 
mansion  in  Old  Engla.nd. 

Kate  Sidney  sat  in  her  favorite  seat  on  deck,  gazing  thought* 
fully  over  the  brig's  side,  and  watching  the  waves  flashing 
like  silver  sheen  in  the  moonlight.  Standing  beside  her,  si* 
lent  and  thoughtful,  was  Captain  Kaymofid,  seldom  speaking 
aavo  when  addressed  by  Kate,  i^:ld  amid  the  shadows 
crouched  the  quadioon,  watching  them  both  with  her  burning,  ^ 
jlery  eyes.  ( 

Since  the  night  on  which  the  interview  on  deck  occurred, 
Kate  and  Syra  had  seldom  met.  Feeling  that  Miss  Sidney 
knew  her  determination  to  have  revenge,  Syra  had  shunned 
her  as  much  as  possible.  And  Kate  shrank  from  her,  not 
with  fear,  but  with  a  sort  of  involuntary  dislike ;  so  whole 
days  often  passed  without  their  meetiug. 

But  no  word,  no  look  or  action  of  Kate  escaped  the  jeal- 


IS. 


e  by  one  the  stam 
1  blue  sky.  Serene- 
smiling  as  brightly 
s  most  aristocratic 

!ck,  gazing  thought- 
the  waves  flashing 
ling  beside  her,  si- 
d,  seldom  speaking 
amid  the  shadows 
h  with  her  burning, 

'  on  deck  occurred, 
;  that  Miss  Sidney 
,  Syra  had  shunned 
rank  from  her,  not 
f  dislike;  so  whole 

e  escaped  tbejeal* 


( 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


US 


0U8  eyes  of  the  quadroon.  Argus  himself  seemed  not  to  hare 
more  eyes ;  every  action  was  misconstrued,  and  however  in- 
nocent, served  to  add  fresh  fuel  to  the  already  burning  flames 
of  her  jealousy.  There  was  a  look  a  demon  might  have 
envied  on  her  beautiful  face,  as  she  sat  watching  them  now. 

"When  will  we  arrive  in  England,  captain?"  said  Kate, 
looking  up,  after  a  long  pause. 

"  To-morrow  night  if  the  wind  holds  as  it  is  now,"  he  re- 
plied, quietly. 

Kate  sighed. 

"  And  then  I  must  pass  long,  dreary  months  iu  that  des0> 
late  old  Moor  Manor,"  she  said,  with  a  sigh. 

There  was  a  moment's  silence,  during  which  Captain  Ray- 
mond seemed  to  bo  attentively  watching  the  foam  dancing  m 
the  wake  of  the  brig,  as  she  cut  her  way  onward.  Then,  look 
ing  up,  he  said,  suddenly : 

"  Miss  Sidney,  during  the  last  few  days,  I  have  come 
to  the  resolution  of  changing  my  mode  of  life.  You  look 
surprised  ;  well  you  may  be,  but  it  is  even  so.  I  am  sick  of 
scenes  of  blood  and  carnage.  I  have  too  long  been  a  scourge 
to  my  fellow-men,  and  my  career  of  crime  has  ended;  my 
last  cruise  is  over.  You  shall  be  restored  to  your  friends  as 
soon  as  we  arrive  in  England  ;  or,  at  least,  as  soon  as  my  men 
can  be  out  of  the  reach  of  the  law,  for  wild  and  reckless  as 
they  are,  they  are  attached  to  me,  and  have  served  me  faith- 
fully. There  is  not  one  of  them,  savage  as  they  look,  bat 
would  lay  down  his  life  for  me.  Therefore  I  must  not  con- 
sign them  to  the  tender  care  of  the, hangman. 


t 


!l  ' 


IJZ, 


ir*" 


244 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


The  amazement  with  which  Kate  listened  to  this  speech 
may  bo  imagined.  She  could  scarcely  believe  her  senses ! 
In  a  few  days  she  would  again  be  free — would  tread  her  na- 
tive land  a  captive  no  longer.  What  a  strange  being  tbia 
pirate  chieftain  was !  She  looked  up  to  t'lauk  him ;  he  stood 
gazing  steadily  with  a  look  of  fixed,  settled  sorrow  and  re- 
morse that  went  to  Kate's  heart.  Involuntarily,  she  laid  her 
hand  on  his,  and  looking  up  in  his  face,  said,  earnestly : 
"  And  you — what  will  become  of  you?" 
He  smiled  slightly  at  her  earnestness,  and  answered  : 
*'  OL,  it  matters  little.  The  sooner  the  world  is  rid  of  such 
a  blood-thirsty  monster  as  I  am  the  better.  But  should  I  es- 
cape the  gallows,  I  will  seek  America.  In  the  New  AVorld, 
amid  its  boundless  prairies  and  toweriug  forests,  I  will  try 
and  forget  the  uast.  In  that  refugium  pecccuorum  I  may  yet 
become  a  harmless  member  of  society.  There  the  crimes  of 
the  pirate  chief  may  be  unknown.  There,  under  an  assumed 
name,  I  will  spend  the  remainder  of  my  days.  You  sec  I  do 
not  fear  to  confide  in  you ;  you  are  the  only  one  left  in  the 
world  to  whom  I  can  speak  freely.  All  has  gone — friends, 
and  home,  and  honor,  and  love ! — all  gone,  all  gone,  and 
what  remains?" 

There  was  a  bitterness  and  sorrow  unspeakable  in  his  tone. 
Kate's  eyes  grew  dim  with  tears,  as  she  turned  away  her  head 
in  silence.  Yes,  guilty  as  he  was,  her  heart  yearned  toward 
him,  and  she  longed  to  be  able  to  remove  that  settled  look  of 
dc'^air  from  those  deep,  mournful  blue  eyes. 

"  I  don't  know  why  my  thoughts  go  back  to  the  past  so 


led  to  this  speech 
clicve  her  senses ! 
uld  tread  her  na- 
jtrango  being  this 
ink  him  ;  he  stood 
ed  sorrow  and  re- 
tar  ily,  she  laid  her 
id,  earnestly : 

d  answered : 
nrorld  is  rid  of  such 
But  should  I  es- 

the  New  World, 
;  forests,  I  will  try 
caiorum  I  may  yet 
.'here  the  crimes  of 

under  an  assumed 
lys.  You  sec  I  do 
)nly  one  left  in  the 
las  gone — friends, 
>ne,  all  gone,  and 

eakable  in  his  tone, 
rned  away  her  head 
irt  yearned  toward 
that  settled  look  of 

back  to  the  past  so 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  246 

strangely  to-night,"  he  said,  dreamily,  after  a  pause.  "  The 
present  fades  from  view  like  a  dream,  and  my  boyaood  rises 
before  me — a  vivid  reality.  Strange,  strange!  Things  I 
have  forgotten  for  years  come  back  to  me  now  with  such 
singular  force  ;  faces  and  forms  I  will  never  sec  again  stand 
beside  nfe  as  in  the  days  of  long  ago ;  voices  tiiat  the  grave 
stilled  many  a  year  ago  are  singing  again  the  dear  old  songs 
I  loved  in  my  boyhood  ;  words  that  I  thought  I  had  forgotten 
I  hear  again,  and  the  toucliing  promise.  '  Though  your  sins 
should  be  red  as  scarlet,  they  shall  become  white  as  suow,' 
keep  constantly  sounding  in  my  ears.  My  mother  often  used 
to  read  to  me  out  of  the  book  from  whence  it  is  taken.  Ah, 
if  she  had  lived,  I  might  have  been  a  far  different  man  from 
what  I  am.  The  sun  of  my  life,  which  I  thought  had  sunk 
forever,  seems  to  have  risen  to-night  again.  Strange  that 
it  should  be  so  1     Perhaps  it  is  only  to  set  in  a  darker  night." 

He  leaned  his  head  on  his  hand,  while  a  sad,  dreamy  ex- 
pression overclouded  his  handsome  face.  Kate  was  still 
silent ;  she  knew  not  what  to  say.  And  after  a  few  moments 
Captain  Raymond  turned  away  to  give  some  orders  to  the  men. 

For  nearly  an  hour  longer  Kate  sat  silent  and  thoughtful, 
gazing  into  the  bright  waters.  She  would  soon  be  free — re- 
stored to  her  home  once  more,  but,  in  spite  of  all,  a  deep 
depression  had  settled  on  her  heart.  A  presentiment  of  some 
impending  calamity  weighed  down  her  spirit — a  feeling  of 
dread  hung  over  her.  She  strove  to  shake  it  off  with  the 
conviction  that  the  desponding  words  of  the  young  captain. 
wu  the  cause,  but  the  effort  was  vain.    And  be,  what  an  in- 

21* 


246 


THE  SECRET  SORllOW. 


Si 


comprehensible  mystery  lie  was  !— ncble  and  high-bom,  what 
cor.ld  have  changed  liln  into whvt  he  ;iow was?  Kate  sighed 
at  her  inability  to  hoIvc  the  problem,  and,  rising,  she  pre- 
pared to  go  below.  As  she  did  so,  Syra  stepped  from  her 
conceolmcnt  and  stood  before  her.  Kate  almost  shrieked  as 
»hc  saw  her,  Often  ))eforc  had  she  seen  her  almost  frantic 
with  passion,  but  note — oh,  now  !  a  galvanized  corpse  might 
have  looked  as  she  did,  with  just  such  livid  fcatuics,  blood- 
less lips,  and  glassy,  glaring  cyps.  Shuddering  with  horror, 
Kate  covered  her  face  with  her  bands  and  retreated  to  the 
cabin,  with  the  firm  conviction  that  she  was  insane. 

The  quadroon  stood  gazing  after  her  until  she  disappeared. 
Then  turning  away,  she  muttered : 

"  He  will  fly  to  Amcricti,  and  she  will  accompany  him.  No, 
never!  To-night  seals  their  destiny  and  mine.  I  shall  make 
one  last  effort,  and  if  I  fail — then  his  sun  shall  indeed  set,  if 
I  cannot  bo  his  here  ;  I  shall  at  least  go  witli  him  to  the  world 
of  shadows.  Those  eyes  I  love  f  j  well  shall  never  look  love 
on  her  again  ;  those  lips  shall  never  breathe  wordb  of  affec- 
tion in  hrr  ear.  Once  I  would  have  slain  her,  but  now  I  am 
glad  T  failed.  No,  let  her  live ;  my  revenge  will  b*-  ^Teater, 
whether  I  succeed  or  fail." 

She  turned  away  as  she  spoke,  and  approached  the  spot 
where  Captain  Raymond  sat.  lie  looked  up  with  a  start  at 
seeing  the  qu.idroon  before  him,  with  her  deep,  burning  eyes, 
and  her  face  looking  ghastly  pale  in  the  moonlight.  For  the 
first  time  he  noticed  the  change  that  had  come  over  her  of 
late.    The  rosy  h..:o  hud  faded  from  her  cheek,  the  brown 


Ikii' 


IIIJ'II  J. 


THE  SECKET  SORROW. 


M7 


and  high-born,  what 
y  was  ?  Kate  sighed 
and,  rising,  she  prc- 
a  stepped  from  her 

0  almost  shrieked  &s 

1  her  almost  frantio 
anizcd  corpse  might 
ivid  fcatukcs,  blood- 
ddoring  with  horror, 

and  retreated  to  the 
was  insane, 
mtil  she  disappeared. 

iccctmpany  him.  No, 
1  mine.  I  shall  make 
m  shnll  indeed  set,  if 
with  him  to  the  world 
shall  never  look  love 
eathe  w^ordb  of  affcc- 
in  her,  but  now  I  am 
'cngc  will  be  j,Teater, 

approached  the  spot 
3d  up  with  a  start  at 
ir  deep,  burning  eyes, 
!  moonlight.  For  the 
had  come  over  her  of 
her  cheek,  the  brown 


hue  of  her  skin  had  given  place  to  a  sickly  pallor,  the  vivid 
light  had  died  out  of  her  eyes,  and  in  its  stead  there  waa  a 
fierce,  lurid,  liglit— the  baleful  brightness  of  jealousy ;  her 
step  had  lost  its  buoyant  lightness,  and  she  moved  before 
him  the  shadow  of  her  former  self. 

"  Well,  Syra !  you  here?"  he  said,  looking  up  in  surprise. 
•'  Is  there  anything  the  matter?     Is  your  mistress  ill?" 

"No,  my  mistress  is  well,"  said  Syra,  with  a  she  t,  bitter 
lauph      "  You  need  feel  no  anxiety  about  he  •" 

Captain  Kaymond  looked  at  fiyra,  completely  astonished 
at  the  tone  in  which  she  spoke.  Absorbed  in  his  own 
thoughts,  ho  had  not  noticed  her  growing  dislike  of  Kate,  and 
was,  thercfoic,  quite  at  a  loss  to  account  for  it. 

"Perhaps  you  arc  ill  yourself,"  he  said,  kindly.  "You 
look  very  pale.    What  is  the  matter?   AVhat  can  1  do  for 

you?" 

The  tone  in  which  he  spoke  thrilled  to  her  heart.  He  bad 
never  spoken  so  gently  to  her  before  in  his  life,  and  her  heart 
throbbed  high  with  hope. 

"  Y'ou  can  save  mc  from  death.  Y'ou  can  render  me  happy 
forever.    On  you  alone  it  depends  whether  I  shall  live  or 

die." 

"  Wltatl"  said  Captain  Raymond,  looking  thoroughly  be- 
wildered. "  I  do  not  understand  you.  I  save  you  from 
death !    Y'ou  arc  crazed,  poor  girl !" 

"I  am  not  crazed.  I  speak  truth.  One  word  from  yoa 
must  decide  whether  I  shall  live  or  die." 

"  Well,  I  confess  this  passes  my  comprebeusion,"  atdd^lj^ 


248 


THE  SKCHET  SORROW. 


young  captftin,  prowing  still  more  mystiflcd.  "  Prny  explain, 
Syra ;  I  certainly  have  no  intention  of  condemning  you  to 
death." 

"  You  nro  going  away  ;  I  Hhall  die  if  you  Icavo  me !"  sho 
cxc'lainicd,  passionately.  "  I  cannot  llvo  separated  from 
you." 

'MVhat!"  exclaimed  iier  companion,  thunderstruck  with 
mnazeinent.     "  Is  it  possible,  Syra,  that  you " 

"That  I  love  you?  Oh,  yes,  yes,  yes!"  she  interrupted, 
vehemently.  "  Oh,  take  me  with  you !  I  cannot  live  if  you 
leave  me !" 

For  a  moment  the  young  chief  remained  speechless  with 
amazement  at  her  words.  Then  a  whole  flood  of  circum- 
stances rushed  on  his  mind  of  which  he  had  never  tiiought  be- 
fore, but  which  tended  now  to  confirm  this  startling  truth. 
And  startling  it  was  to  him  ;  for  ho  know  the  firey  nature  of 
the  quadroon,  and  felt  convinced  her  words  were  true.  The 
change  that  had  come  over  her  of  late  was  now  accounted 
for.     Very  gently  and  sadly  he  looked  on  her  as  he  replied : 

"  Impossible,  Syra !  You  know  I  can  never  love  any  one. 
Scenes  of  bloodshed  and  death  turned  my  heart  to  marble 
long  ago.     I  can  never  love  any  one  again." 

"Ob,  say  not  so  !"  she  cried,  throwing  herself  at  his  feet. 
*'  1  cannot  live  separated  from  you.  I  will  be  your  slave ;  I 
will  obey  youi  every  command,  only  let  me  bo  near  you.  I 
will  be  no  burden -to  you ;  I  can  bear  suffering  and  hardship, 
and  hunger,  and  fadgue,  and  danger  joyfully,  if  only  with 
you," 


\ny  explain, 
laing  you  to 

vo  mc!"  sho 
)arntcd  from 

jrstruck  with 

>  interrupted, 
t>t  live  if  you 

cccblcss  with 
il  of  circum- 
r  llioiigbt  be- 
artling  truth, 
rcy  nature  of 
re  true.  The 
)w  accounted 
18  he  replied : 
love  any  one. 
art  to  marble 

If  at  his  feet, 
your  slave ;  I 

near  you.  I 
and  hardship, 

if  only  with 


THE  SECRET  SORKOW. 


249 


•'  I  cannot,  Syra,"'  lie  said,  sadly,  moved  by  her  wild  en- 
treaties. "  You  urge  in  vain.  When  I  am  far  away  you  will 
soon  forgi't  this  unhappy  altachniont.  As  for  mc,  I  can  nevar 
love  any  one  ;  you  might  as  well  set  your  heart  on  yonder 
moon,  with  the  hope  of  winning  it  to  return  your  passion,  as 
mo.  Rise,  Syra ;  leave  me,  and  strive  to  forget  what  has 
passed  to-night." 

Ho  extended  his  hand  as  ho  spoke  to  assist  her  to  rise. 
She  shook  it  off ;  and  springing  to  her  feet,  exclaimed,  pas- 
sionately : 

"  I  cannot,  I  cannot,  I  cannot.  I  will  not  leave  you  !  I 
shall  die  hero  at  your  feet  sooner  than  leave  you  !  You  must 
— you  shall  love  me  !  Am  I  not  fairer  than  her  ?  Do  I  not 
love  you  a  thousand  times  more  1  What  is  she,  that  I  should 
be  despised  for  her?" 

"Of  whom  are  you  speaking,  unhappy  girl?"  said  the 
young  captain.  "  I  love  no  one  now.  Once  I  did  ;  long,  long 
ago,  but  she  is  lost  to  me  forever.  I  can  never  love  again. 
Go,  you  urge  me  in  vain." 

"  I  will  not  go,"  she  cried,  passionately.  "  I  know  it  is 
for  no  one  dead ;  but  for  the  living  you  despise  me !  But  she 
shall  feel  the  weight  of  my  vengeance — she  jshall  never  live 
to  look  on  you  again." 

She  turned  away  as  she  spoke,  and  darted  toward  tbe  cab- 
in. The  whole  truth  flashed  across  his  mind,  as  he  sprang 
forward,  and  seized  her  by  the  wrist. 

' '  Wretched  girl,  what  would  you  do ! "  he  exclaimed. 
Would  you  mui'der  an  innocent  girl  who  never  iujui'cdyou?" 


250  THE  8EI.-RET  SORROW. 

"  You  love  herT'  she  said,  hoarsely. 

•'  You  are  mad,  girl  I— mad  with  jealousy !  Neither  Miss 
Sidney  nor  I  ever  dreamed  of  such  a  thing.  I  must  confine 
you  m  a  prisoner  until  we  land,  should  you  continue  to  act  in 
this  manner." 

"  And  you  do  not  love  her?  '  exclauned  Syra,  with  a  Bud- 
den  flush  of  joy. 

"  Most  certainly  I  do  not." 

"  And  she  does  not  love  you?' 

''No." 

•'  Swear  it,"  cried  the  quadroon,  wildly. 

"  By  nil  the  saints  in  the  calendar,  if  you  like!"  replied 
Captain  Raymond,  quietly. 

"Then  why  can  you  not?  Oh  !  why  can  you  not  love  me, 
since  you  do  not  lov3  her?"  she  said,  clasping  her  hands 
earnestly. 

"  Because,  as  I  told  you,  I  am  a  man  of  marble.  I  pity 
you  most  sincerely,  my  poor  Syra,  and  I  shall  always  think 
of  you  with  affection  ;  but  more  than  that  I  cannot  give.  I 
have  no  heart  to  offer  you.  Can  you  not  take  the  affection 
of  a  friend  in  its  place  !" 

"It  will  not  do.  Friend,  forsooth?'  and  she  laughed, 
mockingly.  See,  I  am  kneeling  to  you — I,  who  never  knelt 
to  mortal  before.     Oh !  shall  I,  must  I  plead  iu  vain !" 

"Rise,  girl!"  said  Captain  Raymond  almost  sternly. 
"  Why  will  you  persist  in  this  madness?  Is  not  once  suffi- 
cient to  tell  you  ?  You  ask  an  impossibility.  Besides,"  he 
added,  in  a  softer  tone,  "  you  only  give  youi-self  and  me 


Neither  Miss 
'.  must  confine 
;inue  to  act  in 

I,  with  a  8ud- 


ikel"  replied 

1  not  love  me, 
Qg  her  hands 

arble.  I  pity 
always  think 
nnot  give.  I 
the  affection 

she  laughed, 
o  never  knelt 

vain !" 

nost   sternly, 
lot  once  suffi- 

Besidcs,"  he 
[I'Sttlf  and  me 


THE  SECRBT  SORRO'W. 


251 


pain.  If  I  ever  gave  yon  any  encouragement  in  this  mad 
passion,  believe  mc  it  was  unintentional.  I  never  dreamed 
of  such  a  thing  as  your  loving  me.  And  now  this  interview 
must  decidedly  cud ;  I  cannot  listen  to  another  word. 
Neither  prayers  nor  entreaties  can  move  mc.  In  a  few  days 
we  part  forever ;  and  you,  I  feel  assured,  will  soon  forget  me." 

She  rose  to  her  feet,  folded  her  arms  across  lier  bosom, 
and  stood  calmly  before  him.  Every  trace  of  passion  had 
faded  from  her  face,  leaving  her  cold  and  pale  as  marble. 
All  the  fire  and  passion  of  her  wild  heart  seemed  to  concen- 
trate in  her  eyes,  that  glittered  with  a  strange  lurid  light. 

"  And  this  is  your  final  determination?"  she  said,  calmly. 

"  It  is,"  he  answered,  looking  up  in  amazement  at  the  8ud< 
den  change. 

'■  And  can  nothing  change  it  ?  I  ask  yoa  for  the  last  time," 
she  continued,  in  the  same  steady  voice,  and  in  a  manner 
terribly  calm. 

"  Nothing  can  change  it.  Why  will  you  persist  thus?"  ho 
answered,  impatiently. 

"  Die  then!'  she  shrieked,  her  whole  manner  changing,  as 
if  by  magic,  as  she  sprang  forward ;  and,  drawing  a  long, 
glittering  knife  from  her  bosom,  she  plunged4t  up  to  the  hilt 
in  his  side. 

The  hot  blood  spurted  up  in  her  face ;  he  reeled,  swayed  to 
and  fro  for  a  moment,  and  then  fell  without  a  cry,  at  her  feet. 

She  bent  over  him,  and  pushed  back  the  fair,  clustering 
locks  off  his  white  brow.  All  was  still.  She  laid  her  hand 
on  his  heart ;  no  pulso  beat  there.    She  knelt  down,  wd 


m 


262 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


pressed  one  long  kiss  on  the  cold  lips  ;  the  next  moment  she 
arose  to  her  feet,  and  almost  immediately  a  sudden  splash 
was  heard,  as  the  waves  closed  over  her. 

The  noise  smote  like  a  knell  of  death  on  the  ear  of  Kate, 
as  she  sat  in  the  cabin.  She  sprang  to  her  feet,  and  ran  on 
deck  ;  and  here  at  her  feet,  bathed  in  blood,  lay  the  apparently 
lifeless  form  of  the  young  pirate  chief ;  while  down,  down 
under  the  bright  waves  the  wild  heart  of  the  quadroon  had 
found  rest  at  last. 


THE  SECRET  SORROW 


258 


t  moment  she 
udden  splash 

ear  of  Kate, 
t,  and  ran  on 
he  apparently 
down,  down 
uadroon  had 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

THE   ROVER   CHIEF'S   STOET. 

"  Weep  for  the  love  that  cannot  change, 

Like  some  unholy  spell ; 
It  hangs  upon  the  life  that  loved 

So  vainly  and  so  well. 

"  Weep  for  the  weary  heart  condemned 

To  one  long,  lonely  sigh, 
Whose  lot  has  been  in  this  cold  world 

To  dream,  despair,  and  die."— Miss  Landon. 

There  was  hurrying  to  and  fro  on  tho  deck  of  the  good 
brig  Water  Witch.  As  if  by  magic,  the  news  that  their  be- 
loved commander  was  slain,  spread  from  lip  to  lip.  All  was 
confusion  and  disorder— discipline  for  the  time  was  forgotten, 
and  deep  and  loud  were  their  curses  on  the  head  of  the  quad- 
roon. 

Like  one  suddenly  turned  to  marble,  Kate  stood  by  the 
apparently  lifeless  body.  Calm  and  unmoved  she  looked, 
but  oh  !  so  pale  and  sorrowful !  She  alone,  of  all  present, 
knew  the  tragical  cause  of  his  death. 

"  Can  he  not  be  removed  below?"  she  said,  at  length, 
turning  to  the  second  in  command,  the  Spaniard,  Mondalvi. 

*'  Call  Danvers,"  said  the  mate,  without  noticing  the  ques- 
tion.   Then,  turning  to  Kate,  he  said,  by  way  of  explana- 

22 


iiiiiaiiiiii^^ 


2fi4 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


t^ 


tion :  "  Danvers  was  a  doctor  before  he  joined  us,  and  I 
Bhould  like  him  to  see  the  captain  before  ho  is  removed,  if 
you  have  no  objeciion." 

Kate  bowed  slightly,  and  a  moment  after  Danvers  ap- 
proached, and  bent  over  the  still  form  of  the  young  cap- 

tain. 

•'  He  has  only  fainted  from  loss  of  blood,"  he  said,  after  a 

moment.    ' '  He  is  not  dead. 

"  Can  he  live?"  inquired  Kate,  eagerly. 
Danvers  examined  the  wound  attentively  for  a  moment, 
then,  rising,  he  turned  away  in  silence.    It  waa  evident  from 
the  expression  of  his  face  there  was  no  hope. 

"  Nothing  can  save  bun,"  he  said,  in  answer  to  the  im 
quiring  faces  around  him .  "His voyage  through  life  is  over. 
He  has  anived  in  port  at  last.    Take  him  below." 

The  words  fell  like  lead  on  the  hearts  of  his  hearers. 
Guilty  and  blood-stained  as  they  were,  they  had  learned  to 
look  with  almost  idolatry  on  their  young,  high-bom,  often 
careless,  yet  ever  kind  captain,  and  now  he  was  gone.  Had 
be  fallen  in  battle,  they  would  scarcely  have  grieved ;  but  to 
die  thus,  by  the  hand  of  a  woman— one,  too,  whom  he  had 
done  so  much  for,  exasperated  them  almost  to  madness. 

Very  gently  Mondalvi  and  Danvers  raised  the  bleeding 
form,  and  laid  it  upon  one  of  the  cabin  lounges.  Restora- 
Uves  were  appUed,  and  at  length  he  slowly  opened  his  eyes 
and  looked  fixedly  on  them ;  then,  as  memory  slowly  re- 
turned, ho  passed  his  hands  across  his  forehead,  and  groaned 
■loud. 


'ki\ 


ed  us,  and  I 
removed,  if 

Danvera  ap- 
!  young  cap- 

e  said,  after  a 


or  a  moment, 
I  evident  from 

ver  to  the  in» 
gh  life  is  over. 
w."" 

if  Ilia  hearers, 
lad  learned  to 
gh-bom,  often 
la  gone.    Had 
rieved;  but  to 
,  whom  he  bad 
)  madness, 
d  the  bleeding 
iges.    Restora- 
pened  his  eyes 
lory  slowly  re- 
id,  and  groaned 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


255 


♦•  Where  is  aliel"  he  asked,  turning  to  Kate,  who  knelt  by 
his  side. 

"  Before  her  Maker !"  said  Kate,  solemnly. 

•'Poor  Syra!  poor  child!"  he  said,  in  a  tone  of  bitter 
■orrow. 

"Captain  Raymond,"  said  Kate,  earnestly,  "you  hav« 
but  a  few  hours  to  live — think  no  long:.-  of  her,  but  strive  to 
make  your  peace  with  Heaven." 

"Too  late!  too  late!"  he  said,  bitterly.  "Can  a  few 
hours'  repentance  atone  for  long,  long  years  of  crime  and 
bloodshed?  No.  Speak  not  of  repentance  to  me.  My 
time  for  repentance  came  and  went  long  ago.  It  is  too  late 
now.     Heaven  cannot  forgive  me  ;  my  crimes  are  past  mercy." 

"What  is  man,  that  he  should  presume  to  question  the 
boundless  mercy  of  Heaven?"  said  Kate,  almost  sternly. 
"  Has  He  who  once  forgave  the  dying  thief  on  the  cross  for- 
got mercy  ?  Kemember  the  words  you  yourself  -•'^peated  a 
few  hours  ago :  '  Though  thy  sins  should  be  rec  i.  scarlet, 
they  shall  become  white.'  The  arm  of  the  Lor",  has  not 
been  shortened  since  that  promise  was  given  to  fallen  man, 
and  His  mercy  cndureth  forever." 

The  young  chieftian  made  no  reply ;  he  lay  with  his  eyes 
shut,  evidently  struggling  with  bitter  thoughts.  Looking  up 
at  last,  he  said  : 

"My  presentiment  was  true.  Something  seemed  to 
tell  ine  to-night  my  end  was  near.  Listen  now,  and  I  will 
tell  you  my  story.  I  once  intended  to  die  with  it  untold,  but 
your  words  have  changed  my  resolution.     Send  them  away.'^ 


.'J 


^ 


256 


THE  SECRET  SOItROW. 


Kate  motioned  Mondalvi  and  Danvers  from  the  cabin,  and, 
after  closing  tlie  door  carefully,  she  seated  herself  beside 
him,  to  Usten,  with  feelings  strangely  divided  with  curiosity 

and  pity. 

'     For  a  few  moments  he  lay  with  his  eyes  shut,  as  if  lost  in 
thought ;  then,  fixing  them  on  Kate,  he  began : 

"  I  have  told  you  before  that  I  was  not  always  what  I  am 
now.  No ;  once  I  was  the  heir  of  broad  lands  and  noble 
mansions  in  Old  England,  bearing  a  name  as  old  as  the  con- 

quest. 

"My  father  was  an  earl— a  domineering,  passionate  man. 
I  had  one  brother  some  years  younger  than  I,  and  dififering 
from  me  in  every  respect.  While  we  were  stUl  very  young 
my  mother  died.  Had  she  lived,  what  a  different  fate  might 
have  been  mine !  But  everything,  from  boyhood  upward, 
seemed  to  conspire  to  make  me  what  I  am.  Well,  fate  has 
done  her  worst,  and  my  career  of  crime  has  ended. 

"From  childhood  I  was  passionately  fond  of  hunting. 
While  my  brother  was  poring  over  his  books  I  was  away 
with  my  dog  and  gun  through  the  woods.  The  consequence 
was  what  might  have  been  expected.  He  grew  up  quiet,  and 
steady,  and  learned.  I,  on  the  contrary,  as  I  advanced  in 
years,  grew  wMer,  and  ruder,  and  more  reckless,  caring 
more  for  one  shot  at  a  hare  than  for  all  the  books  that  were 
ever  printed.  Still,  dissimilar  as  we  were  in  tastes  and  habits, 
I  doubt  if  ever  there  were  two  brothers  in  the  world  more  at- 
tached to  each  other.  If  I  ever  got  into  disgrace  with  my 
father  (as  often  happened)  by  some  mad  freak,  Harry  in- 


i  cabin,  and, 
irself  beside 
Ith  curiosity 

as  if  lost  in 

i  what  I  am 
is  and  noble 
I  as  the  cou- 

jionate  man. 
and  differing 
[1  very  young 
at  fate  miglit 
lood  upward, 
iTell,  fate  has 
led. 
,  of  hunting. 

I  was  away 
I  consequence 
up  quiet,  and 

advanced  in 
ckless,  caring 
oks  that  were 
;es  and  habits, 
rorld  more  at- 
7race  with  my 
eak,  Harry  in- 


■m 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


257 


variably  made  peace  for  me.  I  often,  by  my  carelessness, 
did  much  unintentional  mischief,  but  on  every  occasion  Harry 
found  some  means  of  getting  me  off  with  a  very  slight  re- 
proof. 

"  My  father  had  at  this  time  a  hound  of  which  he  was  ex- 
ceedingly fond,  his  life  having  been  saved  by  it  on  more 
than  one  occasion.  One  day,  as  I  was  out  as  usual  with  my 
gun,  I  espied  something  vanishing  among  the  trees,  which  I 
hastily  judged  to  be  a  deer.  Without  a  moment's  hesitation 
I  fired,  and  the  animal  fell  dead,  for  I  was  an  unerring  marks- 
man. 

"  I  ran  hastily  up  to  secure  my  prize,  when,  to  my  sur- 
prise and  terror,  I  discovered  I  had  shot  my  father's  favorite 
dog.  I  stood  for  a  moment  rooted,  as  it  were,  to  the  ground — 
for  I  knew  his  anger  would  be  frightful  on  learning  his  loss. 
Still  there  was  nothing  for  it  but  to  tell  him  the  tmth,  and, 
resolving  to  brave  the  worst,  I  deliberately  entered  the 
house. 

"  On  the  way  I  met  my  father,  and  in  a  few  brief  words  I 
narrated  my  unfortunate  mistake.  Never  shall  I  forget  the 
fierce  torrent  of  abuse  he  poiu-ed  on  my  head.  He  absolute- 
ly foamed  with  rage,  and,  though  my  blood  boiled  at  his 
words,  I  listened  in  silence.  At  last,  blinded  by  rage,  he 
struck  me.  Stung  to  madness,  I  rushed  from  the  house, 
which  I  was  never  destined  to  enter  more. 

"  I  had  been  struck.  It  was  an  indignity  I  could  not  en- 
dure, even  from  my  father ;  and  I  resolved  to  fly  where  no 
ona  would  ever  bear  of  me  more.    As  I  fled  I  met  a  peasant 

22* 


"M 


258 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


w 


boy  about  my  own  ago  and  size.  Anxious  to  disgulBe  my- 
Svif,  "ind  BO  avoid  recognition,  I  urged  liiin  to  exchange 
.  u  thes  with  me.  He  \<rillingly  consented  to  give  his  coarse 
.■•ments  for  mine,  and  the  exchange  was  soon  effected.  I 
;j  I,-  him  half  of  my  money  at  the  same  time,  forgetting  that 
ffioncj.  s  not  likely  to  be  had  for  the  asking  in  future.  As 
I  learned  afterward,  elated  at  being  master  of  so  much 
money,  he  got  drunk,  and  was  accidently  drowned  the  same 
night.  My  father,  it  appears,  repenting  of  his  violence,  came 
in  search  of  me,  and,  recognizing  the  clothes  of  the  drowned 
boy,  came  to  the  conclusion  that  I  was  dead." 

"  Merciful  heaven  !  gasped  Kate,  white  with  horror.  "And 
you  are " 

"  Your  cousin,  Walter  Alva,  Lord  of  Arndale,"  was  the 
reply. 

"  Oh,  Father  of  Mercy !"  exclaimed  Kate,  "  and  is  it  thus 
I  find  my  long-lost  cousin  ?  Oh,  Walter,  Walter  I  Oh,  my 
dear  cousin ! ' '  and  her  tears  fell  fast  on  the  face  of  the  dy- 
ing man. 

He  closed  his  eyes,  while  the  convulsive  twitching  of  his 
face  betokened  that  he  was  wrestling  with  bitter  thoughts. 

"And  you  knew  me  all  this  time?"  she  said,  lifting  her 
pale  face  at  last. 

"Yes,  I  knew  you,"  he  replied,  slowly,  "from  the  night 
we  met  in  the  old  Moor  Manor ;  but  I  did  not  wish  to  shock 
you  by  letting  you  know  your  cousin  was  the  leader  of  a  band 
of  lawless  pirates." 

"  My  poor  Walter,"  said  Kate,  pressing  his  cold  band  be- 


clisguiBe  my- 
to  exchange 
vo  his  coarse 

effected.  I 
>rgetting  that 
1  future.    As 

of  so  much 
aed  the  same 
olcDce,  came 
the  drowned 

orror.  "And 

,le,"  was  the 

and  is  it  thus 
er  1  Oh,  my 
ice  of  the  dy- 

tching  of  bis 
'  thoughts, 
id,  lifting  her 

om  the  night 
ivish  to  shock 
der  of  a  band 

!old  hand  ho- 


THE  SECRET  SORROTV. 


259 


tween  hers.     "  How  you  must  have  suffered  ere  you  came  to 
this." 

"Suffered!"  he  exclaimed,  bitterly.  "Yes,  more  than 
words  can  ever  tell.  There  have  been  times  when  I  have  sat 
for  hours  gazing  on  the  dark,  troubled  waves,  and  longing 
to  take  the  fatal  leap  that  would  end  all  my  earthly  troubles 
at  once,  but  the  thought  of  the  terrible  hereafter  held  me 
back.  Through  all  my  long  career  of  crime  I  could  never 
shake  off  the  memory  of  my  mother's  teachings,  and  *  . 
doom  pronounced  against  the  self-murderer  alone  restra  i 
me.  Thank  Heaven,  it  was  so  ordained  1  It  is  a  consolntlcit 
I  never  expected — to  have  one  who  once  loved  me  at  rr  dy- 
ing bedside. 

"  While  my  money  lasted  I  passed  my  time  pleasantly 
enough,  roving  from  place  to  place.  But  money  cannot  last 
forever ;  and  one  night  I  found  myself  wandering  through 
the  streets  without  a  farthing  in  my  purse,  or  a  place  to  lay 
my  head. 

"  It  was  a  terrible  night — one  that  can  never  be  effaced 
from  my  memory.  The  rain  fell  in  torrents,  and  drenched 
me  to  the  skin,  while  the  raw,  piercing  north  wind  made  my 
teeth  chatter  with  cold.  I  had  not  tasted  foo^  since  the  even- 
ing before,  and  was  too  proud  to  beg.  Worn  out  at  last  by 
nunger,  fatigue,  and  cold;  I  felt  inclined  to  lie  down  and  die 
at  once,  when  I  saw  a  well-dressed  gentleman  approachiug 
me.  I  was  starving  with  hunger,  and  hunger  got  the  better 
of  pride ;  so  I  approached  him,  and,  crimson  with  shame,  I 
begged  a  trifle  to  buy  bread. 


seo 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


"  He  eyed  mc  from  head  to  foot,  as  though  I  were  a  thief, 
and  with  a  gniff  '  No,  I  have  nothing  for  beggars,'  passed  on. 
I  stood  ns  if  rooted  to  the  ground,  overcome  with  mingled 
inger,  liunger,  and  despair,  when  my  eye  fell  on  something 
bright  lying  at  my  feet.  I  stooped  to  pick  it  up,  and,  to  my 
surprise  and  delight,  found  it  was  a  guinea,  which  he  had 
evidently  dropped  as  he  passed.  Rejoicing  over  the  treasure 
I  had  found,  I  hastened  to  the  nearest  public  house,  and 
called  for  supper.  While  I  sat  eating  it,  the  gentleman  en- 
tered, and  inquired  if  a  boy  answering  a  description  which  he 
gave  of  mo  had  passed,  saying,  he  had  stolen  a  guinea  from 
him.  The  host  pointed  to  me,  displaying  the  guinea  I  had 
given  him  to  pay  the  reckoning.  The  gentleman  recognized 
it.  I  was  accused  as  a  pickpocket;  tried,  and  coudcmiked  to 
twelve  months'  imprisonment  at  hard  labor." 

He  paused,  while  the  veins  on  bis  white  forehead  grew  dark 
and  swollen  with  his  efforts  to  be  calm.  After  a  pause,  dur- 
ing which  Kate  pressed  her  lips  soothingly  to  hia  brow,  he 
resumed : 

"  That  was  the  first  thing  that  drove  me  to  desperation.  I 
was  maddened — I  was  like  one  crazed  for  awhile,  during 
which  I  was  chained  hand  and  foot  like  a  wild  beast.  That 
I,  the  son  of  an  English  peer,  a  lord  iu  my  own  right,  should 
be  thus  condemned  to  mingle  at  hard  labor  with  the  vilest  of 
the  vile,  nearly  drove  me  mad.  At  times,  I  would  fiercely 
straggle  to  free  myself  from  my  degrading  chains,  until,  with 
my  limbs  wounded  and  bleeding,  I  would  fall  back  iu  my 
hard  bed.     I  wonder,  now,  I  did  not  die  or  go  mad  then. 


TBTI'tiiTi 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


S«l 


I  were  a  thief, 
rs,,'  passed  on. 
i  with  mingled 
on  somctliing 
ip,  and,  to  my 
wliicli  lie  bad 
er  the  treasure 
lie  house,  and 
gentleman  en- 
ption  which  he 
a  guinea  from 
e  guinea  I  had 
lau  recognized 
coudcmued  to 

lead  grew  dark 
:  a  pause,  dur- 
o  his  brow,  he 

lesperation.  I 
awhile,  during 
.  beast.  That 
n  right,  should 
th  the  vilest  of 
would  fiercely 
ins,  until,  with 
Eill  back  in  my 
go  mad  then. 


They  fed  me  on  bread  and  water,  I  who  had  all  my  life  been 
pampered  with  dainties  ;  a  handful  of  dirty  straw  I  now  lay 
on,  instead  of  the  beds  of  down  to  which  I  was  accustomed. 
The  gentle  faces  of  friends  were  exchanged  for  the  savage 
scowls  of  my  jailer ;  fierce  oaths  and  horrible  blasphemies 
took  the  place  of  pleasant  words  and  Joyous  laughter.  I 
longed  and  prayed  wildly  for  death  ;  but  it  came  not  at  my 
call.     I  was  reserved  for  still  greater  trials. 

"  At  last  I  grew  calm,  and  they  set  me  to  work  with  the 
rest.  Oh  1  tlio  bitter,  bitter  days  of  unceasing  toil  which  I 
then  endured.  My  hands,  delicate,  aru  unused  to  labor, 
grew  blistered  and  sore.  The  skin  came  off,  but  still  I  was 
forced  to  labor  on.  Often  have  I  worked  and  worked,  until 
everything  I  handled  would  grow  red  with  blood,  and  still  I 
dared  not  stop  a  single  moment,  even  to  rest. 

"  Six  months  passed  thus  away,  and  I  thought  of  nothing 
but  escape.  Night  after  night  I  employed  myself  in  filing 
the  iron  grating  of  my  window.  At  last,  after  weeks  of  un- 
ceasing toil  and  almost  superhuman  effort,  I  freed  the  window, 
and  one  dark  night  I  made  a  rope  of  the  coarse  quilt  of  my 
bed,  and  ventured  to  fly.  The  rope  was  not  long  enough  to 
reach  to  the  ground;  as  I  allowed  myselfto  drop,  I  fell 
heavily  to  the  ground  and  broke  my  arm.  Still  I  was  not 
daunted,  and,  though  suffering  xmspeakable  agony  from  my 
broken  arm,  I  ventured  to  mount  the  wall.  I  had  nearly 
reached  the  top,  when  I  was  suddenly  seized  by  the  sentinel 
who  had  espied  me,  and  captured  once  more.  I  struggled 
madly  to  free  myself  from  his  grasp,  but  in  vain.    He  held 


*  ( 


i 


tji 


862 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


me  M  Ihough  in  a  vise ;  and  at  length,  exhausted  by  pain 
and  losfl  of  blood,  I  fell  fainting  to  the  ground. 

"  When  I  recovered  I  found  myself  in  the  Jailer's  room, 
and  a  surgeon  bending  over  mc,  binding  my  arm.  The  next 
day  I  was  ta;  on  before  a  magidtratc,  and  accused  of  attempt- 
ing to  cscupc,  wheroujwn  his  worship  sentenced  mo  to  two 
years'  more  imprisonment.  I  submitted  to  my  fate  with 
dogged  indifference.  Despair  had  succeeded  my  former  m^A' 
ness,  and  I  moved  among  my  fellow  crimnols  sullen  and  si- 
lent. I  no  longer  thought  of  escape,  and,  even  if  I  had,  it 
was  no  longer  in  my  power,  for  I  was  now  carefully  chained 
every  niglit. 

"  Well,  the  two  years  passed  away,  and  I  was  free  again. 
There  was  but  one  desire  left  mc  now,  and  that  was  revenge. 
I  determined  ou  vengeance  on  those  wlio  had  thus  "degraded 
me,  and  never  did  Corsican  keep  the  vendetta  with  more 
fierceness  than  I.  Had  I  wished  to  return  home,  degraded  as 
I  was,  it  was  no  longer  in  my  power,  for  I  was  without 
money.  As  I  wandered  moodily  along  through  the  streets, 
hailed  by  the  very  children  as  I  passed  as  a  ^jail-bird,'  I  en- 
countered a  lot  of  half  tipsy  sailors  advancing  toward  a  pub- 
lic-house. 

'"I  say,  messmate,'  called  one  of  them,  ' heaye  to  tiiere, 
and  show  your  colors.    Whose  flag  do  you  belong  to?' 

*'  I  stared  at  him  in  silence,  not  comprehending  his  mean- 
ing. 

'  "  Ahoy,  you  lubber !'  shouted  another.  '  Can't  you  tell  us 
whose  colors  you  sail  under?     What  port  do  you  hail  from?' 


J 

'  - 


i, 


ited  by  pala 

iiiler's  room, 
(1.  The  next 
cl  of  attempt* 
l1  mo  to  two 
ny  fate  with 
former  mt»r>.- 
luUcn  and  si- 
n  if  I  had,  it 
fully  chained 

,8  free  again, 
was  revenge. 
1)118  'degraded 
:a  witli  more 
,  degraded  as 
was  without 
1  the  streets, 
til-bird,'  I  en- 
x>ward  a  pub- 

ave  to  tiiere, 

ngto?' 

ing  bis  mean- 

n't  you  tell  us 
}u  hail  from?' 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


268 


•'  ♦  Newgate,  I  think,'  said  an  insolent  fellow,  who,  passing 
at  the  moment  Imti  overheard  tlie  qiicHtion. 

•'  My  first  impulfjc  was  to  knock  him  down  ;  and  the  next 
moment  ho  measured  his  length  in  the  mud.  A  whout  of  ap- 
plause from  the  sailors  followed  this,  while  the  fallen  hero 
bellowed  loudly  for  the  police.  Half  a  dozen  policemen 
came  rushing  up  and  fell  upon  me,  whereupon  the  sailors  fell 
upon  them,  and  a  general  melee  followed.  "With  tlio  deter- 
mination of  dying  sooner  than  be  imp:i8(ined  again,  I  fought 
desperately  ;  and  soon,  accompanied  by  my  faithful  cluvmpi- 
ons,  the  sailors,  I  was  ou  the  deck  of  the  good  privateer 
l*rinco  Edward. 

"  The  captain  of  the  privateer  urged  me  to  sign  indentures, 
which  I  complied  with— thereby  placing  myself  in  the  jjower 
of  one  of  the  greatest  tyrants  that  ever  trod  a  quarter-deck. 
I  soon  discovered  that  I  had  exchanged  one  kind  of  captivity 
for  a  worse.  Still,  knowing  I  was  in  his  power,  I  strove  to 
bear  with  what  patience  1  could  his  ill-usage,  and  I  had  learned 
patience,  I  can  assure  you,  in  prison. 

'  At  last  his  tyranny  grew  absolutely  unendurable.  I  was 
half-starved,  and  obliged  to  do  the  most  degrading  work. 
One  day,  having  forgotten  to  do  something— a  mere  trifle 
which  he  told  mo  to  do — he  absolutely  excee<led  himself.  I 
was  ordered  aloft,  and  one  of  the  men  was  told  to  administer 
the  '  cat '  to  my  naked  back.  The  man  refused — for  the  men, 
with  few  xceptious,  were  warmly  attached  to  me — whereupon 
the  brute ;  frenzied  with  passion,  ordered  the  kind-hearted 
fellow  to  be  tied  up  along  with  me,  and  another  man  was  or- 


Mmmiim^mi6imMmm 


264  THE  SECRET  SORROW. 

dered  to  apply  the  cat-o'-niue-taUs  to  hia  back  as  weU  m  mine. 

And  they  did  it. 

"I  saw  him  tied  ap  before  my  eyes,  whUe  they  held  me 
fast,  and  whipped  until  his  back  was  one  hideous  mass  of  raw 
flesh.  Then  they  took  him  down  more  dead  than  alive,  and 
X  was  ordered  up  in  his  place.  Ten  thousand  furies  seemed 
in  that  moment  to  possess  me.  With  the  strength  of  a  giant 
I  burst  from  those  who  held  me.  A  heavy  marline-spike  lay 
btside  me.  I  seized  it ;  and  the  next  moment  it  went  crash- 
ing through  the  skull  of  the  monster.     He  never  stirred 

again. 

"  The  men,  appaUed  by  the  awful  deed  and  its  consequen- 
ces,  seized  me,  and  I  was  put  in  irons.  I  made  no  effort  to 
resist.  The  fearful  deed  I  had  committed  rendered  me  calm. 
I  did  not  regret  it ;  but  the  feeling  that  I  was  a  murderer  lay 
ou  my  heart  like  lead. 

"When  the  ship  arrived  in  Liverpool,  I  was  immediately 
given  rp  to  the  authorities.     I  remember  that  trial  for  mur- 
der as  tbough  it  had  happened  yesterday.     The  crowd  of  hu- 
man  faces,  staring  at  me  as  tbough  I  was  some  strange,  sav- 
age animal,  i«  stiU  vividly  l)ef ore  me.   And  among  the  crowd 
I  recognized  my  father.    He  did  not  know  me  ;  the  sailor's 
dress,  my  bronzed  features  and  fierce  looks  were  very  differ- 
ent from  anything  he  ever  knew  of  his  eldest  son;  besides, 
he  labored  under  the  firm  conviction  that  I  waa  dead.     He 
was  speaking  to  one  of  the  jurors,  who  seemed  to  have  some 
doubtaof  my  guilt;  and  I  heard  him  say:  'He  is  a  mur- 
derer  he  dwerves  death-7mny  Wm /'   The  words  turned  my. 


well  M  mine. 

they  held  me 
9  mass  of  raw 
an  alive,  and 
furies  seemed 
gth  of  a  giant 
rline-spike  lay 
it  went  crash- 
never  stirred 

its  consequen- 
de  no  effort  to 
dered  me  calm, 
a  murderer  lay 

as  immediately 
t  trial  for  mur- 
le  crowd  of  hu- 
le  strange,  sav- 
mong  the  crowd 
me ;  the  sailor's 
rere  very  differ- 
3t  son ;  besides, 

waa  dead.    He 
id  to  have  some 

'He  is  a  mur- 
(yords  turned  my. 


'  I 


I 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


26ft 


blood  to  gall.  At  that  moment  I  vowed,  if  I  ever  escaped, 
to  spare  neither  friend  nor  foe — all  should  feel  the  weight  of 
my  vengeance.     And  I  have  kept  my  ivord. 

'*  The  trial  was  over,  and  1  was  condenined  to  death.  I 
heard  my  sentence  with  careless  scorn,  and  listened  with  a 
levity  far  from  edifying  to  th-  judge's  solemn  address.  I  had 
paid  no  attention  to  the  trial ;  strange  as  it  may  seem,  I  felt 
convinced  I  was  in  the  hand  of  fate,  and  that  my  hour  was 
not  yet  come.  It  was  only  when  commanded  to  rise  and  re- 
ceive the  sentence  of  the  court,  that  I  awoke  from  a  sort  of 
reverie  into  which  I  had  fallen,  and  heard  the  venerable 
judge,  as  he  donned  his  black  cap,  and  ordered  me  to  be 
taken  to  the  place  from  whence  1  had  been  brought,  and  from 
thence  to  the  place  of  execution,  there  to  be  hung  by  the  neck 
until  dead,  winding  up  with  the  usual  formula ;  '  And  may 
God  have  mercy  on  your  soul.' 

"  '  Thank  you,  my  lord ;  much  obliged  for  your  kind  wishes,' 
said  I,  with  a  bow. 

"  A  look  of  indignant  horror  from  the  judge,  and  a  half- 
repressed  smile  from  the  crowd,  followed  this.  I  was  re- 
moved to  p:  ison,  there  to  await  the  sentence  of  the  law. 

"The  day  on  which  I  was  to  be  executed,  arrived,  and 
hope  began  to  desert  me.  Every  af  tempt  to  escape  had  been 
prevented  by  my  being  closely  irone  \ ;  and  I  began  to  think 
that,  after  all,  I  was  born  to  be  han^jed. 

"  The  fatal  hour  arrived  at  last.  The  sheriff  and  his  com- 
panions entered  my  cell ;  my  irons  were  knocked  off,  and  I 
was  marched  to  the  scaffold.    An  immense  crowd  had  aa- 

23 


f; 


266 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Bembled  to  see  me  make  my  exit,  and  I  saw  at  once  by  their 
faces  that  public  opinion  waa  in  my  favor.  A  groan  of  dis- 
approbation arose  as  I  appeared.  I  heard  it,  and  at  the  pame 
moment,  my  eye  fell  on  the  sheriff's  horse,  standing  right 
below  the  scaffold. 

"  In  a  moment  my  resolution  was  taken.    Turning  to  that 
functionary,  I  told  hun  I  desired  to  speak  a  few  words  to  the 

crowd. 

"  The  request  was  granted.  I  leaned  forwar'1  as  if  to  ad- 
dress them,  when  suddenly  I  leaped  from  the  scaffold  right 
on  the  horsfi's  back,  darted  through  the  crowd,  that  involun- 
tarily opened  right  and  left ;  and  before  they  had  recovered 
from  their  Lurprise  at  this  audacious  act,  I  was  on  the  king's 
highway.  Turning  in  the  saddle,  I  gave  a  cheer  of  defiance ; 
and  then  urging  my  horse  onward,  I  dashed  away  ait  a  break- 
neck speed. 

"  The  insulted  dignitaries  of  the  law  did  not  long  remain  in- 
active. I  was  hotly  pursued,  but  I  was  a  desperate  man,  and 
I  distanced  them  all.  My  horse,  luckily,  proved  to  be  a 
splendid  animal ;  and  after  passing  through  countless  adven- 
tures and  hair-breadth  'scapes,  I  found  myself  wandering,  a 
hunted  fugitive,  in  the  old  manor,  near  the  home  of  my  chUd- 
hood.  It  was  a  stormy  night.  I  had  no  home,  and  I  re- 
solved to  spend  the  night  in  the  old  manor,  and  brave  the 
ghosts  which  I  had  heard  from  my  infancy,  were  its  sole  oc- 
cupants. 

"  I  threw  myself  on  the  floor  and  fell  fast  asleep.    Here 
I  wa«  found  by  some  of  the  pirates,  who  even  then  held  it  as 


1 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


267 


lice  by  their 
roan  of  dis- 
at  the  pame 
anding  right 

ning  to  that 
words  to  the 

as  if  to  ad- 
cafiEold  right 
;hat  involun- 
id  recovered 
)n  the  king's 
of  defiance ; 
,y  at  a  break- 

ag  remain  in- 
ate  man,  and 
ved  to  be  a 
ntless  adven- 
wandering,  a 
5  of  my  child- 
ae,  and  I  re- 
nd brave  the 
re  its  sole  oc- 

isieep.    Here 
hen  held  it  as 


a  place  of  rendezvous.  It  required  little  argument  to  make 
a  desperate  man  join  them.  I  soon  grew  attached  to  their 
wild,  free,  roving  life ;  and  at  the  death  of  their  leader,  J 
was  unanimously  elected  to  his  place.  The  Water  Witcli  and 
her  pirate  crew  soon  became  the  terror  of  the  high  seas.  Re- 
wards were  offered  for  our  capture,  but  we  only  laughed  at 
them.  With  our  fast-sailing  brig,  and  picked  crew  of  despe- 
radoes from  all  quarters  of  the  world,  we  feared  them  not. 

"  Sometimes,  by  way  of  change,  I  left  the  brig  in  charge 
of  Mondalvi,  and  in  various  disguises  sought  adventures  on 
land.  It  was  on  one  of  these  occasions  I  encountered  Syra 
and  her  grandmother.  I  bought  them  both  ;  and  they  ever 
afterward,  until  this  last  fatal  cruise,  remained  in  the  old 
Moor  Manor." 

He  paused  for  a  moment,  as  though  nerving  himself  for 
what  was  yet  to  come.  Kate  held  a  glass  of  water  to  his 
lips.     He  drank  it  off  eagerly,  and  then  resumed  : 

' '  And  now  I  come  to  the  most  eventful — to  the  saddest  part 
of  my  dark  history.  That  part  which  I  would  to  Heaven  I 
could  forget ! 

"  During  one  of  these  intervals,  while  seeking  adventures 
on  land,  I  stopped  at  a  little  village  in  the  sduth  of  France. 
My  assumed  name  of  Captain  Raymond  was  too  well  known  ; 
and  as  I  had  plenty  of  money  to  support  the  character,  I  re- 
solved to  adopt  that  of  an  English  baronet.  Accordingly,  as 
Sir  Walter  Percy,  I  became  the  one  great  man  of  the  village. 

"One  day,  the  second  after  my  arrival,  was  a  holiday 
among  the  good  people  of  the  village.    It  was  the  feast  ot 


WWs&^^mr 


^mysm^mx^mm»Hmm^mmig^»> 


268 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


some  saint,  and  a  public  procession  was  to  take  place.  I 
have  never  seen  a  prettier  sight.  All  the  young  girls  in  the 
village  dressed  in  white,  and,  crowned  with  flowers,  went 
first,  holding  in  their  hands  lighted  tapers,  and  chanting  the 
litany  of  the  Blessed  Virgin.  I  only  gave  them  a  passing 
glance,  when  my  eye  fell  on  a  face  the  most  beautiful  I  have 
ever  beheld.  I  have  traveled  since  through  many  a  land  ;  I 
have  seen  the  languishing  beauties  of  Italy,  the  dark-eyed 
donnas  of  Spain,  the  fairy-like  beauties  of  America ;  but 
never  one  so  lovely  as  she.  I  will  not  attempt  to  describe 
her  to  you.  I  am  inadequate  to  the  task  ;  suffice  it  .0  say,  tliat 
one  glance  imprinted  her  image  forever  in  my  heuri .  During 
the  service  that  followed  the  procession  I  never  removed  my 
eyes  from  her  face  as  she  stood  before  the  alVf.r,  her  hands 
crossed  meekly  over  her  pure  bosom  ;  her  eyej  fixed  on  tbe 
floor,  with  the  long,  dark  lashes  resting  l..v;.!=gly  on  her 
oval  cheeks.  Once,  in  the  pause  i  che  hynui  she  was 
chanting,  she  raised  her  dark  eyes,  and  meetihg  mine  fixed 
so  ardently  upo:.  L  ..  they  fell  again,  while  the  hot  blood 
marked  cheek  ;.*/d  !;?>     . 

"  I  was  not  loag  in  discovering  who  the  fair  girl  was.  Her 
name  was  Madeline  Desbreaux,  an  orphan,  residing  with  her 
grandmother,  an  old  woman  named  Sorreaux.  Madeline's 
parents,  it  seems,  had  at  one  time  been  wealthy,  and  had 
given  their  daughter  an  education  far  above  that  of  her  com- 
panions. At  their  death,  her  grandmother  took  her  to  reside 
in  her  cottage,  and  here,  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  I  first  saw 
Madeline. 


mi^f^fmmmeir^msmifmmlmm 


Mi 


THE  SECRET  SORBOW. 


269 


ke  place.    I 

:  girls  in  the 
lowers,  went 
chanting  the 
m  a  passing 
utiful  I  have 
ly  a  land  ;  I 
le  dark-eyed 
merica ;   but 

to  describe 
it  losay,  tliat 
un.     During 

rumoved  my 
.r,  her  hands 
fixed  on  tbe 
ij^Iy  on  her 
BUI  she  was 
g  mine  fixed 
le  hot  blood 

;irl  was.  Her 
ding  with  her 
Madeline's 
thy,  and  had 
t  of  her  com- 
:  her  to  reside 
n,  I  first  saw 


*'  I  need  not  pause  to  tell  you  how  our  acquaintance  pro- 
gressed. Sufllce  it  to  say,  we  both  learned  to  love  each  other. 
I  with  all  the  intensity  of  an  impulsive  nature,  and  she  with 
all  the  passionate  abandon  of  a  hot-blooded  child  of  the 
sunny  South.  The  old  woman.  Wail,  however,  from  the 
first,  looked  on  our  increasing  intimacy  with  an  unfavorable 
eye.  She  evidently  concluded,  that  if  I  was  what  I  professed 
to  be,  my  intentions  respecting  her  grandchild  conld  not  be 
very  honorable ;  and  if  I  was  not  what  I  professed  to  be, 
why  then  her  child  must  look  to  be  the  wife  of  an  houester 
man. 

"  But  little  either  Madeline  or  I  cared  for  her  objections. 
With  the  trusting,  confiding  nature  of  her  sex,  she  gave  her 
heart  into  my  keeping  only  to  be  wrung  and  broken.  Little 
did  either  of  us  think,  when  arm  in  arm  we  strolled  through  the 
moonlight,  I  pouring  my  tale  of  passion  into  her  too  willing 
ear,  how  fatally  it  was  destined  to  end  for  us  both !" 

He  paused  again,  while  a  half  shudder  ran  through  hia 
frame. 

Kate  wiped  the  death-damp  off  his  brow  in  silent  sympathy. 
When  he  again  resumed,  his  voice  was  low  and  tremulous. 

"  Why  need  I  linger  over  this,  why  need  I  repeat  the  old 
story  of  vows  never  fulfilled — of  a  f;iir  brow  stamped  wit' 
the  brand  of  a  Magdalen — of  a  broken  heart,  and  shame  hid 
den,  perhaps,  in  the  grave.     Oh,  wretch  that  I  was !    Oh, 
Madeline !  Madeline  !  lost  to  me  forever !" 

He  groand  aloud,  and  the  tears  of  bis  companion  fell  fast 
on  his  pale  face. 

23* 


270 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


"  I  dare  not  linger  over  this ;  it  maddens  me  even  now,  to 
think  of  it,"  he  went  on,  rapidly,  after  a  short  pause,  "  suf- 
fice it,  that  I  was  awakened  from  my  brief  dream  of  happi- 
ness by  a  visit  from  Mondalvi  to  tell  me  the  men  refused  to 
obey  him  longer,  and  urging  me  to  depart  immediately.  I 
dared  not  refuse,  yet  how  could  I  leave  Madeline?  I  knew 
she  would  fly  with  me  willingly,  but  I  could  not  tell  her  she 
had  been  wooed  by  an  outlawed  pirate  instead  of  a  noble 
peer.  Neither  dai?  I  trust  myself  to  bid  her  farewell — ter 
tears  and  entreaties  might  prove  stronger  than  any  resolution 
— and  I  was  forced  to  depart  without  bidding  her  adieu.  We 
have  never  met  since." 

"Did  she  die?"  asked  Kate,  for  the  first  time  breaking 
silence. 

"  I  know  not.  A  few  months  after,  I  returned  to  the  vil- 
lage, but  she  and  her  grandmother  were  both  goUe.  I  felt 
I  could  not  live  without  her,  and  I  returned  to  tell  her  all,  and 
then,  if  she  could  forgive  me,  to  make  her  my  wife  and  go 
with  her  somewhere,  and,  unknown,  under  an  assumed  name, 
to  give  up  my  reckless  life.  But  I  came  too  late  ;  both  was 
gone.  I  was  almost  wild  at  the  news.  Everywhere  I  made 
inquiry,  but  in  vain.  All  I  could  learn  was  that  she  had  se- 
cretly fled  from  the  village  first,  and  that  old  Wail  had  sold 
her  cottage  soon  after,  and  followed  her.  Since  then  I  have 
never  been  able  to  discover  the  least  trace  of  either  of  them." 

The  name  struck  Kate  as  familiar,  and  the  recollection  of 
old  Mother  Wail,  the  Witch  of  the  Moor,  flashed  across  her 
mind.     Could  they  be  one  and  the  same  person  ?    With  it 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


271 


ven  now,  to 
ause,  "  suf- 
m  of  happi* 
i  refused  to 
ediately.  I 
16  ?  I  knew 
tell  her  she 
I  of  a  noble 
ireweli — lier 
ly  resolution 
adieu.     We 

ae  breaking 

id  to  the  vil- 
jofie.  I  felt 
1  her  all,  and 
wife  and  go 
lumed  name, 
! ;  both  was 
here  I  made 
i  she  had  se- 
^ail  had  sold 
then  I  have 
er  of  them." 
lollection  of 
[  across  her 
1?    With  it 


came  the  recollection  of  her  wild  prophecy  on  the  night  of 
the  ball:  "/  see  here  danger,  and  sorrow,  and  shame,  and 
disgrace,  and,  it  may  be,  death.  There  is  danger  to  yourself 
near  at  hand;  sorrow  for  some  one  near  you  at  present;  shame 
for  one,  the  proudest  here  to-night;  disgrace  to  the  house  of 
Danemore,  and  death  either  for  you  or  for  some  near  relaiion." 

It  had  come  true,  that  strange,  wild  prophecy.  And  then 
came  the  remembrance  of  the  strange  agitation  of  Lady 
Danemore  at  seeing  her.  Could  she  be  his  Madeline  1  It 
was  her  name ;  she  was  French  by  birth,  though  adopted  by 
an  English  lady,  and  she  was  certainly  lovely  enough  to  jus- 
tify his  praises.  Had  the  father  wedded  one  who  should  have 
been  the  bride  of  the  son  ?  How  else  could  she  account  for 
her  mysterious  sorrow?  Kate's  brain  grew  giddy  with  the 
multitude  of  thoughts  that  flashed  across  it,  and  she  pressed 
her  hand  on  her  heart  to  still  its  tumultous  beatings. 

Suddenly  he  reached  out  his  hand  and  took  hers.  She 
looked  up  ;  the  grayness  of  coming  death  had  fallen  on  bis 
face. 

♦'  I  am  going,"  he  said,  faintly ;  "  jjray." 

And  Kiite  did  pray,  though  in  a  voice  choked  by  tears. 
He  hold  her  hand  in  his,  and  gazed  steadily  in  her  face. 
She  could  see  nothing  save  the  earnest  gaze  of  those  great, 
mournful  blue  eyes. 

*'  It  is  growing  so  dark,"  he  said,  absently,  his  mind  be- 
ginning to  wander,  "  and  so  cold !  Madeline !" 

Kate's  voice  faltered,  then  totally  gave  way,  as  her  tears 
fell  fast  on  the  pale  face. 


Wtt^lMmmi^s<'■'fm^^1i^sm^m0.•'  y 


i 


f72 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


He  lay  with  his  eyea  closed  for  a  few  moments,  then  fixing 
them  earnestly  on  her  face,  ho  said  : 

"  Pray." 

Choking  back  her  tears,  she  complied.  Gradually,  as  she 
proccedofl,  L°r  voice  grew  stronger,  as  she  sent  up  an  earnest 
petition  for  mercy. 

The  restless  look  faded  from  his  face  as  he  listened. 
Slowly  his  hand  relaxed  its  grasp  of  hers,  the  deep,  melan- 
choly blue  eyes  wandered  eagerly  for  a  moment  around,  as 
though  in  search  of  some  one,  then  a  slight  convulsive  shud- 
der passed  through  his  frame,  Ins  lips  parted,  but  no  sound 

came  forth ;  his  eyelids  swayed  heavily,  and  then  closed 

and  he  was  gone. 


MM* 


tSt  then  fixing 


lually,  as  she 
up  an  earnest 

he  listened. 

deep,  melan- 
nt  around,  as 
ivulsivc  shud- 
>ut  no  sound 
hen  closed— 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


278 


CHAPTER  XXn. 

THE  father's  remorse. 

•'  I  would  not  rudoly  lift  the  vail 

Of  thy  unhappy  lot — 
How  can  I  see  thy  cheek  grow  pale, 

Tliy  brow  with  anguish  fraught — 
When  told  that  all  thou  held'st  most  dear 

Dcatli'a  grasp  hatli  rudely  riren. 
Oh,  may  it  to  thy  view  bring  near 

The  lasting  joys  of  heaven." 

Morning  dawned  gray  and  gloomy  over  the  old  Moor 
Manor.  In  the  subterranean  chamber  formerly  occupied  by 
Kate,  lay  all  that  was  mortal  of  the  young  pirate  chief.  The 
restless  look  that  his  face  had  ever  worn  in  life  was  gone, 
and  he  lay  like  one  in  a  deep  sleep.  The  fair  luxuriant  locks 
were  brushed  off  the  high,  white  brow,  and  a  half  smile  still 
lingered  around  the  faultless  mouth. 

Kate,  pale  and  worn,  with  eyes  dim  with  weeping,  moved 
gently  through  the  apartment.  Crouched  in  a  corner,sway- 
ing  her  body  too  and  fro,  and  liumming  a  dreary  kind 
of  chant  to  herself,  was  poor  old  Aunt  Moll.  In  a  few  brief 
words  Kate  had  told  her  ail,  expecting  an  outburst  of  grief 
for  the  loss  of  her  granddaughter,  but  she  was  mistaken — her 
sorrow  was  all  for  her  young  master ;  for  Syra  she  seemed 
not  to  have  a  thought. 


iliim    ! 


274 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


During  the  night  previous  the  brig  hnd  come  to  anchor, 
bearing  the  body  of  their  young  chief,  together  with  Kate  and 
Mondalvi,  who  had  now  succeeded  to  the  command.  Kate 
gave  them  to  understand  iu  a  few  words  that  she  know  his 
history,  and  they  were  at  last  willing  to  consign  his  remains 
to  her  care.  After  conveying  him  to  the  old  manor  they  took 
their  last  look  at  the  death-cold  form  of  him  who  had  once 
been  their  chief.  Before  daybreak  the  brig  was  once  more 
far  upon  the  sea. 

And  now,  what  was  she  to  do  next?  Kate  paced  up  and 
down  the  room,  and  tried  to  think. 

"  Go  to  Dirritole,"  seemed  ever  ringing  in  her  ear.  But, 
oh,  how  could  she  go? — how  could  she  tell  the  earl  the 
terrible  tale  ?  —  how  tell  him  that  his  eldest  son  was  the 
dreaded  rover  chief  I — how  tell  him  that  he  had  driven  him 
to  this  terrible  end?  And  the  countess,  if  she  were  the 
Madeline  of  her  cousin's  story,  how  would  she  hear  of  his 
tragical  end  ?  Kate  wrung  her  hands  in  hopeless  trouble — 
turn  which  way  she  would,  everything  seemed  dark  and 
gloomy  around  her. 

And  so  the  day  wore  on,  and  noon  approached.  Something 
must  be  done.  Go  she  must — there  was  no  alternative  ;  and 
Kate  Sidney  was  not  one  to  shrink  from  any  duty,  however 
painful  it  might  be. 

Turning  to  the  old  negress,  who  still  sat  rocking  her  body 
backward  and  forward,  and  humming  to  herself,  Kate  said : 

"  Aunt  Moll,  I  must  leave  you  for  a  while.  You  will  not 
be  afraid  to  remain  here  a  few  hours  by  yourself,  will  you?  ' 


1 


me  to  anchor, 
r  with  Kate  and 
mmand.  Kate 
t  she  know  hia 
ign  his  remains 
lanor  they  took 
who  had  once 
was  once  more 

e  paced  up  and 

her  ear.  But, 
ill  the  carl  the 
it  sou  was  the 
had  driven  him 
'  she  were  the 
jho  hear  of  bis 
ieless  trouble — 
med  dark  and 

led.  Something 

Iternative ;  and 

duty,  however 

)cking  her  body 
self,  Kate  said : 
1.  You  will  not 
self,  will  you?  ' 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


975 


•«  Laws !  no,  honey,  I  ^kecrod  !"  said  the  old  woman,  with- 
out looking  up. 

•»  Youll  be  sure  to  stay  here  until  I  return,  will  yon  not?" 
said  Kate,  somewhat  anxiously. 

*' Sartir'  '^  »"'■  jney.  Laws!  wlio's 'fraid?  I  ain't  skeered 
o'  ghosts,  .ober  was,  uudder.  Jes'  you  go  'long,  I'll  tend 
ter  things  till  yer  gets  back." 

Reassured  by  the  old  woman's  tone,  Kate  quitted  the  man- 
or ;  not,  however,  without  first  entering  the  great  dreary 
chamber,  where  Alice  liad  been  detained  a  prisoner.  It  was 
empty.  A  handful  of  ashes  and  a  half-burnt  log  yet  lay  in 
the  huge  flre-place.  On  the  floor  were  scattered  the  various 
articles  left  by  the  earl  in  liis  liaste— but  wJiere  was  Alice? 

With  a  sigh,  Kate  turned  away— everything  seemed  to  grow 
darker  and  more  drear  the  longer  she  thouglit  of  it. 

It  was  growing  dark  when  she  came  within  sight  of  the  tall 
trees  and  peaked  gables  of  Dirritole.  What  strange  events 
iiad  taken  place  since  she  had  left  it  last!— what  wonderful 
discoveries  had  come  to  light !  It  all  seemed  like  a  troubled 
dream  to  her  now ;  but,  alas  !  she  could  not  long  think  it  a 
dream — it  was  too  stern  a  reality. 

Quiet  and  dark  Dirritole  ever  looked ;  but  it  seemed  stiller, 
and  quieter,  and  sadder  now  than  ever.  There  was  some- 
thing almost  mournful  in  the  low  whine  of  recognition  with 
which  the  shaggy  house-dog  welcomed  her. 

With  a  sinking  heart,  Kate  entered  the  hall.  She  dreaded 
to  meet  unannounced  any  of  the  family,  fearing  the  effects 
of  a  sudden  surprise.    As  she  stood  hesitatingly,  thinking 


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276 


THE  SECRET  SORROW, 


over  what  plan  she  had  best  pursue,  the  dining-room  door 
suddenly  opened,  and  the  prim  housekeeper,  Miss  Dickett, 
made  her  appearance,  brush  in  hand. 

As  her  eyes  fell  on  Kate,  she  dropped  her  brush,  and, 
throwing  up  both  arms,  uttered  a  stifled  scream.  Well 
might  she  exclaim  at  seeing  Kate  before  her— so  pale,  so 
thin,  so  sorrowful-looking— the  mere  shadow  of  her  former 
self. 

"Hush!"  said  Kte,  in  a  hurried  whisper,  "  make  no 
noise.     Come  with  me,  I  wish  to  speak  to  you." 

Mechanically,  Miss  Dickett  fcilowed  her.  She  had  always 
been  accustomed  to  obey  Miss  Sidney  ;  and  even  now,  though 
she  believed  it  was  Kate's  ghost  she  was  following,  she  did 
not  resist,  Kate  closed  the  door,  and,  turning  to  the  house- 
keeper, demanded,  in  an  agitated  whisper: 

"  How  is— how  are  the  family?    Are  they  all  here  now?" 

"  Oh,  lawk  !  Miss  Kate,  his  it  you,  or  his  it  your  ghost?" 

"  Ghost !  no — what  nonsence !" 

"  Then  hit  his  you !"  exclaimed  Miss  Dickett ;  "  well,  I  ia 
glad  and  no  mistake.  Oh,  law !  I  thought  I'd  never  clap  my 
two  heyes  on  you  again — so  I  did. 

" Well,  never  mind  that  at  present!"  said  Kate,  impa- 
tiently.    "  Can  you  not  answer  my  question  ?" 

"Well,  hit's  all  very  fine— so  it  is!"  said  Miss  Dickett, 
placing  her  hands  on  her  sides  and  drawing  a  deep  breath, 
"  but  sich  a  place  as  Dirritole's  turned  out  to  be  of  late  /never 
seed.  Fust,  Miss  Halice  she  goes  lioff  with  'erself  some- 
where, where  nobody  can't  find  'er  hout.     Then  you  goes 


<■• 


/ 


rs^ 


^ 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


277 


jaing-rcom  door 
,  Miss  Dickett, 

her  brush,  and, 
scream.     Well 

ler — so  pale,  so 
of  her  former 

}er,  "make  no 
I." 

She  had  always 
en  now,  though 
owing,  she  did 
g  to  the  house- 
all  here  now?" 
your  ghost?" 

tt;  "well,  It« 
.  never  clap  my 

id  Kate,  impa- 

Miss  Dickett, 
a  deep  breath, 
of  late /never 
L  'erself  some- 
hen  you  goes 


hoff  without  hever  telliu'  nobody  ;  and  then  the  hearl  he  takes 
hisself  hoff  'long  with  the  rest.     Mr.  Chawles  he  goes  back  to 
that  nasty  Dublin,  which  I  can't  abide  no  ways,  'cause  it's 
so  wulger— though  I  ain't  a  saying  nothink  agin  his  goin', 
'cause  he  was  allers  a  makin'  'sturbance  while  he  was  *ere. 
Then  Miss  Maggie,  the  imperant  little  thing,  she  foUers  him ; 
an'  I'm  blessed  if  I  wasn't  glad  to  be  rid  of  her,  allers  a 
takin'  me  off.     Madame  Maria,  she's  allers  sick  hup  stairs, 
and  won't  'low  nobody  to  'tend  to  her  'cept  'tis  that  nasty 
old  nigger,  which  I  can't  abide  no  ways— so  I  can't.    My 
lady  won't  speak  a  word  to  nobody  'cept  that  conceited  little 
furriner,  Bess  L'Olise,  while  she  was  'ere ;  but  she's  gone, 
too,  'long  with  Miss  Maggie,  hoff  to  Hirdand.     Lord  Harn- 
dale  comes  streakin'  down  here,  and  then  tears  hoff  agin  like 
a  comet,  lookin'  everywhere  'cept,  I  s'pose,  in  the  right  place, 
for  Miss  Halice.     And  'ere  I's  left  like  a  poor,  hold,  singed 
cat,  with  nobody  to  look  arter  me  if  I  went  to  hold  Scratch- 
so  there!" 
Kate  listened  impatiently  to  this  tirade,  and  now  she  broke 

in  with : 

"You  do  not  mean  to  say  that  my  uncle  and  all  are  away, 

do  you?" 

"Well,  he  ain't  away  now,  'cause  he's  'ome!"  said  Miss 
Dickett,  "he 'rived  last  night,  and  now  you  f oilers  him. 
.  Mebbe  the  resfll  come  bime-by,  and  things'll  begin  to  look 
as  they  used  to." 

Kate  paced  rapidly  up  and  down  the  room  for  several  min- 
utes, then  turning  to  Miss  Dickett,  she  said,  inquiringly : 

84 


!  »■ 


/ 


■?ar 


278 


THE  SECRET  SOHROW. 


4 
1 


4 


"And    has    no    news    been   received   from    Miss  Alice 

yet?" 

"Law!  me,  not  f^o  much  as  a  single  scrape  o'  a  pen. 
Hit's  wery  curis,  so  hit  his— but  deary  me !  there  hisn't  no 
'countin'  for  ladies'  notions  nowadays." 

This  was  followed  by  a  significant  look,  as  though  she  in- 
tended Kate  to  understand,  she  considered  her  "curis"  as 
well  as  Miss  Desmond.  But  Kate  was  paying  very  little  at- 
tention to  her,  being  absorbed  in  her  own  painful  reflections. 
Could  it  be  that  the  earl  had  carried  Alice  off  with  him  some- 
where else?  It  must  be  so  ;  else  how  Cuuld  she  account  for 
her  sudden  departure  with  the  two  servants  from  the  old 
Moor  Manor.  Passing  her  hand  over  her  brow,  as  if  to  dis- 
pel her  sad  thoughts,  she  turned  to  the  old  housekeeper,  who 
stood  watching  her,  with  mouth  agape,  and  said,  briefly : 

"  Go,  and  inform  the  earl  that  I  have  arrived,  and  wish  to 
see  him  immediately.  Break  the  news  as  carefully  as  possi- 
ble, so  that  it  may  not  take  them  by  surprise,  and  make 
haste." 

Miss  Dickett  quitted  the  apartment,  and  again  Kate  re- 
sumed her  nervous,  hurried  pace  up  and  down.  How,  oh ! 
Jiow  should  she  break  the  fatal  news  to  him— how  tell  him  of 
the  disgrace  that  had  fallen  on  his  honored  name?  And  she, 
her  aunt,  how  would  she  hoar  it,  if  the  Madeline  of  her 
cousin's  sad  story?— this  must  be  the  key  to  her  secret  sor- 
row—and how  would  she  learn  that  he  whom  she  had  loved 
"  so  vainly  and  so  well,"  lay  now  cold  and  dead  in  the  old 
Moor  Manor? 


m    IVIlss  Alice 

rape  o'  a  pen. 
there  hisn't  no 

though  she  in- 
her  "  curis"  as 
f  very  little  at- 
iful  reflections, 
with  him  some- 
Sie  account  for 
from  the  old 
w,  as  if  to  dis- 
jsekeeper,  who 
id,  briefly : 
d,  and  wish  to 
jfuUy  as  possi- 
ise,  and  make 

igain  Kate  re- 
n.  How,  oh ! 
3w  tell  him  of 
ne?  And  she, 
deline  of  her 
ler  secret  sor- 
she  had  loved 
id  in  the  old 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  279 

"  The  hearl  says  for  you  to  walk  right  up,"  said  Miss 
Dickett,  putting  her  head  in  at  the  door. 

Kate's  heai-t  throbbed  so  loudly,  that  she  grew  faint.  Re- 
covering herself  by  an  effort,  she  ran  up  stairs,  and  entered 
the  room  where  the  earl  and  the  countess  sat. 

The  meeting  was  a  cold  one  on  all  sides.  The  earl,  con- 
vinced that  she  knew  of  his  villainy,  felt  particularly  uncom- 
fortable, but  still  not  as  he  once  thought  he  should  at  such  a 
meeting.  Since  the  day  when  he  recognized  his  long-lost 
son  in  the  person  of  the  pirate  chief,  a  marked  and  visible 
change  had  passed  over  him.  His  hair  had  grown  snowy 
white,  deep  furrows  were  marked  on  his  forehead,  he  walked 
stooped  and  feeble,  as  though  a  sudden  load  of  grief  had 
been  laid  on  bis  shoulders— an  old  man  before  his  time. 

Convinced  that  the  hand  of  Heaven  was  on  him  in  punish- 
ment for  his  misdeeds,  he  had  resolved  to  seek  Alice  on  his 
return,  seek  her  forgiveness,  and  brave  the  scorn  of  the 
world.  To  his  surprise  and  horror  he  learned,  on  his  arrival, 
that  nothing  had  been  heard  of  either  her  or  Kate. 

Accompanied  by  Lord  Arndale,  to  whom  he  disclosed  all, 
they  searched,  as  they  imagined,  thoroughly  the  cid  Moor 
Manor,  but  all  in  vain.  No  trace  of  either  could  be  found. 
And  now  the  earl,  though  surprised  and  rejoiced  at  the  re- 
turn of  Kate,  felt  secretly  uneasy  at  the  power  she  possessed 

over  him. 

As  for  Kate  herself,  all  her  feelings  of  just  indignation 
gave  way,  as  she  saw  the  change  the  suffering  and  sorrow 
had  made  in  him.    She  could  only  remember  that  sb^  was 


280 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


about  CO  add  a  still  greater  load  to  what  he  already  evidently 
Buffered. 

My  lady  lay  back  among  the  cushions,  in  the  weary,  list- 
less manner  of  other  days.  No  change  has  passed  over  her, 
as  coldly,  serenely  beautiful  as  ever,  with  the  long,  black 
lashes  sweeping  her  pearly  cheeks,  and  vailing  the  large, 
mournful,  dark  eyes. 

She  looked  up,  and  with  a  faint  smile  of  welcome,  extended 
her  hand.  Kate  raised  it  to  her  lips,  respectfully ;  she  might 
have  greatly  erred— but  hau  she  not  likewise  greatly  suffered 
—and  sorrow  goes  far  to  atone  for  sin. 

There  was  a  moment's  silent  constraint  on  all  sides.   Then, 
determining  to  learn  the  fate  of  Alice,  first  of  all,  Kate  looked 
fixedly  up  in  her  uncle's  face,  and  said,  with  brief  sternness : 
"My  lord,  before  I  tell  you  the  business  which  brought 
me  here  at  this  late  hour  of  the  night,  I  would  first  learn 
what  has  become  of  Alice  Desmond." 
He  groaned  aloud,  and  turned  away  his  head. 
"  Good  Heaven !"  exclaimed  Kate,  horror-struck  at  the 
thought  which  flashed  across  her  mind,  "  is  she  dead?" 

"I  know  not,"  answered  the  earl,  vehemently,  "  as  God 
liveth,  I  know  not.  Whether  she  is  living  or  dead  I  cannot 
tell." 

White  with  fear,  Kate  stood  listening  with  clasped  hands. 
She  could  not  doubt  his  words— she  felt  convinced  he  was 
speaking  the  truth. 

"But,  why— how— did  you  not  find  her  that  night  in  the 
old  manor?"  she  asked,  in  a  bewildered  tone. 


Iready  evidently 

the  weary,  list- 
)assed  over  her, 
the  long,  black 
iling  the  large, 

Icome,  extended 
'ully ;  she  might 
greatly  suffered 

11  sides.  Then, 
all,  Kate  looked 
)rief  sternness : 
which  brought 
3uld"  first  learn 

d. 

-struck  at  the 
e  dead?" 
ntly,  "  as  God 
dead  I  cannot 

clasped  hands, 
vinced  he  was 

U  night  in  the 


T" 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


281 


"I  did.  I  found  out  likewise  you  had  been  there;  and 
maddened  at  the  discovery  which  I  saw  must  take  place,  I 
determined  to  prevent  it.  I  had  fouud  another  hiding-place 
for  Alice,  but  wishing  to  be  rid  of  the  servants  first,  I  took 
them  to  a  place  of  safety.  "When  I  returned,  the  old  manor 
was  empty.  Alice  was  gone.  I  know  nothing  of  her.  I 
cannot  discover  her.  Wliether  she  is  among  the  living  or 
dead,  I  cannot  tell.  Arudale  is  now  in  search  of  her.  Heaven 
grant  he  may  be  more  fortunate  than  i !" 

Kate  sank  on  a  seat,  and  covered  her  face  with  her  hands. 
All  was  for  the  moment  forgotten,  save  poor  Alice.  The 
earl  had  risen  to  his  feet,  and  began  pacing  the  floor  rapidly 
up  and  down. 

Suddenly  remembering  what  was  yet  to  come,  Kate  took 
her  hands  from  before  her  face,  and  said,  in  a  voice  that 
trembled  in  spite  of  all  her  efforts  to  render  it  firm : 

"  My  lord,  you  remember,  you  cannot  have  forgotten  poor 
Walter !" 

There  was  a  passionate  exclamation  from  the  earl.  My 
lady  gave  a  slight  start,  her  hand  was  involuntarily  half 
raised,  and  then  dropped  heavily  in  her  lap. 

"  Forget  him  !  Oh,  Walter !  Walter !"  he  exclaimed  bitterly. 
"  Speak,  girl !  what  of  him?" 

"  You  thought  him  dead— we  all  did,"  said  Kate,  speaking 
very  rapidly,  "  but  we  were  mistaken — he  was  not  drowned." 

He  did  not  exclaim  or  seem  amazed,  as  she  thought  he 
would.    He  only  groaned,  and  wrung  his  hands  in  bitter 

sorrow* 

24* 


m^ssism 


282 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


I 


"  Ho  lived,  my  lord,"  went  on  KatP,  huskily,  ««  but  driven 
to  despair,  he— he— "  lier  voice  faltered. 

"Became  a  pirate  I  I  know  it  I  I  kuowit!  I  know  it!" 
he  broke  in,  passionately.  "  He  disgraced  his  name,  he  has 
brought  shame  on  his  family,  he  has  whitened  my  hairs,  and 
brought  me  with  sorrow  almost  to  the  grave." 

"  My  lord  !  my  lord  I"  said  Kate,  rising,  "  speak  not  thut 
Whatever  his  crimes  may  have  been,  he  has  atoned  for  them 
by  death.     Your  son  has  gone  before  a  higher  tribunal  than 
any  of  earth  to  be  judged." 

•'Dead/  Walter  dead !" 

He  seemed  stunned,  bewildered,  dizzy,  like  one  struck  by 
some  suddeu  blow.  He  reeled  into  a  seat,  and  sat  gazing 
vacantly  into  her  face. 

And  my  lady— a  shadow,  like  the  shadow  of  death,  had 
fallen  on  her  white  face  ;  her  arms  lay  heavily  by  her  side, 
as  though  the  power  of  life  had  been  suddenly  stricken  from 
her  heart. 

"  How?  when?  where  did  he  die?"  asked  the  earl,  broken- 
ly, looking  in  Kate's  face,  with  a  look  of  hopeless  bewilder- 
ment. 

Briefly,  in  a  voice  choked  by  tears,  Kate  related  all.  The 
story  of  her  capture— of  Syra— of  her  jealousy— of  his  trag- 
ical death— and  his  dying  story.  Only  one  part  was  kept  se- 
cret—that relating  to  Madeline.  The  dark  eyes  of  the  countess 
met  hers  toward  the  close  with  a  look  of  gratitude,  as  if  si- 
lently thanking  her  for  her  delicacy. 

He  listened  like  one  in  a  dream  to  the  close.    Still  he  sat 


dly,  •«  but  driven 

it!  I  know  it  I" 
bis  name,  he  has 
cil  my  hairs,  and 

'  speak  not  tbua 
atoned  for  them 
tier  tribunal  than 


ce  one  struck  by 
and  sat  gazing 

>w  of  death,  had 
ivily  by  her  side, 
ily  stricken  from 

the  earl,  broken- 
jpeless  bewilder- 

•elated  all.  The 
usy — of  his  trag- 
part  was  kept  se- 
!3  of  the  countess 
atitude,  as  if  si- 

ie.    Still  he  gat 


THE  SECRET  SORHOW. 


288 


gazing  in  her  face  with  oh !  ouch  a  look  of  utter»  utter,  hop» 
less  trouble. 

"  My  lord — my  dear  uncle,"  said  Kate  touched  in  spite  of 
herself  by  his  silent  anguish,  "  grieve  not !  It  is  better  so — 
he  could  never  be  happy  here.     Let  us  hope  he  is  at  rest !"' 

"Dead  —  dead! "he  said,  slowly.  "Walter  dead.  So 
young,  so  fair,  so  noble-hearted !  dead,  and  by  the  hand  of 
an  assassin  ! — dead !  and  it  is  I  who  have  driven  him  to  this 
— I  drove  him  from  home — I  struck  him — I  forced  him  to  bo- 
come  an  outcast  on  the  face  of  the  earth,  without  where  to  lay 
his  head — friendless  and  homeless,  he  grew  desperate.  And 
now  he  is  dead !  Oh,  Walter !  Walter !  Oh !  would  to  Heav- 
en I  had  died  for  thee — my  son — my  son  I" 


— -"'IWteiSKK* 


■>Sf>?K; 


.is-vi'ivriwSi^^saas! 


284 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

THE   WITCH  OF  THE  5I00B. 

*'  Lady  dear !  this  history 

Is  thy  fated  lot, 
Ever  such  thy  watching, 

For  what  cometh  not, 
Still  thou  Bcckcst  on,  though  weary. 

Seeking  still  in  vain ; 
Daylight  deepens  into  twilight, 

What  has  been  thy  gain? 
Death  and  night  are  closing  round 

All  that  thou  hast  sought  unfound.' 


-Landon, 


There  was  silence  for  a  few  moments,  deep  and  profound. 
Kate  was  weeping  silently,  the  earl  wrung  his  hands  in  hope- 
less anguish  ;  my  lady  still  sat  immovable,  gazing  steadily  on 
the  floor— a  gray  shadow,  a  sort  of  dead  white,  lying  on  her 
pale  face. 

Starting  suddenly  to  his  feet,  the  earl  exclaimed,  vehe- 
mently : 

"  Why  do  I  sit  here?  Where  is  he,  lead  me  to  him.  Oh, 
Walter,  friendless  and  alone,  you  have  lived,  and  shall  not 
kindred  hands  lay  you  at  least,  in  the  grave?" 

"He  is  in  the  old  Moor  Manor,"  said  Kate,  rising  and 
ringing  the  bell,  "  we  can  reach  it  in  o  few  hours." 
.     The  old  Moor  Manor !  the  very  name  fell  like  a  curse  on 
the  stricken  ears  of  the  earl. 


•wr 


-«*! 


ary, 


nd 

)un(J." — Landon. 

ip  and  profound. 
s  hands  in  bupe- 
azing  steadily  on 
lite,  lying  on  her 

szclaimed,  vehe- 

me  to  him.  Oh, 
cd,  and  shall  not 

[^ate,  rising  and 

ours." 

1  like  a  curse  on 


THE  SECnET  SORROW. 


S85 


"  Bring  around  the  carriage,  iinniodiatcly,"  said  Kate,  to  the 
servant,  who  entered. 

The  man  hastened  to  obey.  Lifting  her  eyes  from  the  floor, 
the  countess  fixed  them  on  Kate's  face,  and  said,  quietly  : 


"  Ring. 


A  spruce  waiting-maid 


Wondering  a  little,  Kate  obeyed 
answered  the  summons. 

"  Bring  me  my  bonnet  and  shawl,"  said  the  countess. 

"  My  dear  aunt,"  exclaimed  Kate,  in  surprise  and  distress, 
"  you  surely  do  not  intend  to  accompany  us.  Do  not,  I  beg 
of  you." 

Without  answering  her,  the  countess  turned  to  the  girl, 
and  said,  steadily : 

"  Bring  me  my  bonnet  and  shawl !" 

The  girl  left  the  room  to  obey.  Kate  knelt  beside  her, 
took  her  hand,  and  said,  imploringly : 

"  Dear  Aunt  Madeline,  I  beseech  you  not  to  go.  Think  of 
the  long,  uncomfortable  ride  to  the  Moor,  the  fatigue  you 
must  necessarily  undergo,  and  after  all,  of  what  use  will  it 
be?    Pray,  |)ray  do  not  go?" 

She  did  not  reply  ;  but  fixing  her  eyes  again  on  the  floor, 
seemed  lost  in  thought. 

At  this  moment  the  girl  entered  with  the  things,  followed 
by  Miss  Dickett,  to  announce  the  carriage  was  in  wait- 
ing. 

The  countess  arose,  and  motioned  the  girl  to  approach. 
Seeing  she  was  still  determined,  Kate  wrung  her  hands  in 
hopeless  trouble  and  exclaimed,  vehemently : 


•wr 


fi;®! 


286 


THE  8ECUET  SORROW. 


i 


r' 


,  K 


"  Oh,  Aunt  Madeline  I  why  will  yoit  persist  in  this?  My 
lord,  can  you  not  persuade  her  (o  slay?" 

"It  is  useless,"  said  tlie  countess,  firmly,  "  I  muxt  go. 
Come." 

She  held  out  her  hand.  Kato,  with  a  sigh,  drew  it  through 
her  arm,  and,  followed  by  the  carl,  entered  tho  carriage. 
The  next  moment  they  were  wliirling  rapidly  away. 

Of  what  were  those  three  thinking  as  they  sat  side  by 
side,  silent  and  sad?  The  earl's  thoughts  wandered  back  to 
that  wild,  tempestuous  nigiit,  a  few  short  months  before, 
when,  amid  all  tlio  storm  and  glocni,  they  had  approached 
the  fatal  old  Manor. 

How  many  and  how  strange  were  the  events  that  had 
taken  place  since  then.  The  scene  was  almost  tho  same. 
Outside  all  was  dark  and  dreary  ;  inside  two  women  were  his 
companions,  just  as  they  were  that  night.  He  almost  fancied 
that  night  had  returned.  The  countess  lay  back  in  the  cor- 
ner, just  as  Alice  had  done ;  and  ho  almost  fancied  he  saw 
poor,  poor,  injured  Janio  in  the  erect  figure  and  stern,  sad 
face  of  Kate.  But,  oh  !  how  diff(  '  -how  very,  very  dif- 
ferent was  his  errand  to-night!  His  eldest  son,  his  first 
born,  lay  cold  and  dead  in  the  old  Moor  JIanor. 

And  Kate — her  thoughts  were  divided  between  her  cousin 
and  Alice — wandering  sometimes  to  the  wild,  passionate 
quadroon.  Poor  lost  Syra !  What  a  sad  fate  had  been  hers. 
And  then  Walter  and  Madeline,  what  a  meeting  for  these 
two,  so  long  and  sadly  separated !  She  glanced  toward  her, 
but  she  could  read  no  trace  of  thought  or  passion  in  that 


THE  SECKET  SOTinOW. 


287 


slst  in  thin?    My 

inly,  "  I  muxt  go. 

Ii,  drew  it  througli 
red  the  carriage, 
y  away. 

they  Hat  side  by 
vaiidorcd  back  to 
t  nioutliB  before, 
,"  liad  approached 

events  that  had 
ilmost  the  same. 
0  women  were  hia 
le  almost  fancied 
y  back  in  the  cor- 
t  fancied  he  saw 
ire  and  stern,  sad 
)w  very,  very  dif- 
est  son,  his  first 
mor. 
tween  her  cousin 

wild,  passionate 
ite  had  been  hers, 
meeting  for  these 
luced  toward  her, 
>r  passion  in  that 


white,  calm,  marble-like  face,  and  vailed  eyes.  Of  what  was 
Hho  thinking?  roroiiance  of  one  wlioso  blue  eyes  had  once 
been  dearer  to  her  tluui  all  the  world  besides,  of  that  strong, 
fearless  heart,  whoHo  every  throb  had  been  for  her,  until 
death  had  stilled  its  pulse. 

Tliey  drew  up  at  last  before  the  old  Manor.  They  alight- 
ed, and,  preceded  by  Kate,  entered  the  secret  passage  that 
led  to  the  subterranean  chambers. 

Here  they  found  everything  just  as  she  had  left  it.  In  a 
shadowy  corner  lay  the  lifeless  body  of  the  earl'^  son.  Old 
Moll  sat  over  the  fire,  still  humming  to  herself  her  dreary 
chant,  and  rocking  to  and  fro  in  her  trouble. 

The  countess,  who  had  boruo  up  during  the  journey,  near- 
ly sank  as  she  entered  the  gloomy  room.  She  tottered, 
and  would  have  fallen,  had  not  Kate  supported  her;  and 
leading  her  gently  toward  the  inner  apartment,  she  removed 
her  bonnet  and  laid  her  on  a  couch.  The  long,  black  ring- 
lets fell  in  heavy  masses  over  her  shoulders,  making  her 
colorless  face  seem  still  whiter  and  wanner  by  the  contrast, 
as  she  lay  as  still  and  motionless  as  one  dead. 

Leaving  her,  Kate  passed  to  the  outer  room.  The  earl 
stood  bending  over  the  lifeless  form,  with  a  countenance  of 
utter,  utter  despair.  Kate  came  and  stood, beside  him  and 
gazed  down. 

How  calm  and  quiet  he  looked,  resting  there  1  Death  had 
left  no  ghastly  imprint  on  nis  countenance,  the  quiet  look  of 
repose  betokened  that  he  had  passed  away  almost  without 
bodily  pain.    Who  could  dream  that  the  caliQ,  white  brow 


S88 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


?.  I, 


i 


had  often  frowned  death  to  others — and  those  lips,  wreathed 
with  a  half  smilp,  Kate  could  hardly  realize  that  she  had  heard 
them  shout  the  death-cry  of  his  countrymen. 

The  carl  pushed  back  the  fair,  bright  locks,  almost  fancy- 
ing he  slept.  The  eyelids  were  closed  so  naturally  over  the 
blue  eyes  that  it  was  hard  to  realize  he  was  indeed  dead. 
But  the  heart  would  never  throb  more — the  deep,  dark  eyes 
would  never  open  again. 

"He  cannot  be  dead!"  exclaimed  the  earl,  wildly. 
"  Walter !  Walter !  Wake !  it  is  your  old  father  who  calls ! 
Oh,  Kate !  will  he  not  speak  again?" 

"  Oh,  my  poor,  poor  uncle  !"  said  Kate,  compassionately, 
"  you  cannot  deceive  yourself.  It  is  better  as  it  is.  Better 
he  should  die  thus,  than  live  to  suffer  by  the  hand  of  the 
law." 

The  earl  groaned  in  his  anguish,  and  wrung  his  handa. 
Then  sinking  into  a  seat  by  the  bedside,  he  took  one  of  the 
cold  hands  in  both  his,  and  continued  gazing  steadily  and 
mournfully  into  the  face  of  the  dead. 

Kate  moved  noiselessly  thorough  the  apartment,  now  whis- 
pering a  few  words  of  consolation  to  poor  old  Moll,  who  still 
sat  on  the  floor  clasping  her  knees  with  her  hands,  and  dron- 
ing drearily  to  herself — now  gazing  pityingly  on  the  earl,  and 
again  flitting  softly  into  the  inner  room,  where  the 
countess  lay.  She  seemed  not  to  have  moved  from  the  posi- 
tion in  which  Kate  had  laid  her.  An  involuntary  feeling  of 
awe  stole  over  her  as  she  gazed  into  that  death-like  face. 
She  looked  like  a  shadow  herself,  too,  fleeting  silently 


► 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


289 


e  lips,  wreathed 
tat  she  had  heard 

3,  almost  fancy- 
aturally  over  the 
vas  indeed  dead, 
deep,  dark  eyes 

le  earl,  wildly, 
'ather  who  calls ! 

compassionately, 
as  it  is.  Better 
the  hand  of  the 

rung  his  hands, 
took  one  of  the 
ling  steadily  and 

tment,  now  whis- 
Id  Moll,  who  stUl 
hands,  and  dron- 
y  on  the  earl,  and 
)om,  where  the 
ed  from  the  posi- 
Lintary  feeling  of 
ath-like  face, 
fleeting  silently 


among  shadows.  So  sad,  so  pale,  so  care-worn,  she  looked 
very  diffcre- 1  from  the  h^ppy,  careless  Kate  Sidney  of  a  few 
months  before. 

So  the  hours  passed  on,  and  midnight  approached.  Mid- 
night !  strange,  solemn  hour,  when  the  great  world  seems  for 
a  moment  to  pause  to  take  breath — when  the  vail  that  separ- 
ates the  living  and  dead  grows  thin.  Strange,  mystic  hour, 
when  all  is  hushed  and  still — when  the  dark  past  rises  before 
our  eyes  with  fearful  power. 

There  was  a  sudden  noise,  as  of  footsteps  without.  Kate's 
heart  stood  still  with  fear ;  then  the  door  was  thrown  open, 
aLd  Mother  "Wail,  the  Witch  of  the  Moor,  stood  before  them. 
By  the  hand  she  held  the  child  Magdalen,  who  stood  gazing 
around  with  great,  wondering  dark  eyes. 

All  sprang  to  their  feet  in  dismay.  For  a  moment  the  old 
woman's  eyes  wandered  around  the  apartment,  then  rested  on 
the  lifeless  form  extended  in  the  farthesfrcorufir.  Going  over, 
she  folded  her  arms  across  her  breast,  and  stood  gazing  down 
into  the  calm  face  of  the  dead,  with  a  mocking  smile  of 
triumph  on  her  lip. 

"  So,"  she  hissed,  at  last,  between  her  clenched  teeth,"  the 
farce  is  over — and  he  who  left  here  full  of  youth  and  health, 
has  returned  a  corpse.  It  is  well !  Said  I  not,  lady,"  slie 
added,  turning  to  Kate  with  a  jeering  smile,  "  that  disgrace 
hung  over  the  house  of  Dancmore,  and  that  the  viper  its 
master  had  warmed  into  life,  should  be  the  first  to  sting  him. 
Yet,  methinks,  there  is  one  wanting  to  complete  this  assembly. 
Where  is  she?  where  is  the  Countess  of  Daueraore?" 

25 


ill  it 


290 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Kate's  eyes  involuntarily  turned  toward  th«  inner  room. 
The  old  woman  noticed  it,  and  dropping  the  liandof  Slagdalcn, 
she  said,  iniperiouslj',  "  stay  here."  The  next  moment,  she 
had  raised  the  curtain,  and  was  standing  in  the  presence  of 
tlic  countess. 

All  had  passed  so  quickly  that  Kate  was  bewildered.  Now, 
however,  she  strove  to  prevent  her  entering  ;  but  she  was  too 
late,  the  old  woman  was  already  face  to  face  with  Lad^ 
Danemore.  Trembling  for  the  consequences,  Kate  darted  in 
after  her.  Mother  Wail  stood  gazing  on  the  countess  with 
the  same  bitter,  jeering  smile  on  her  face.  And  the  countess, 
she  had  half  raised  herself  on  her  elbow,  her  large,  black 
eyes  glaring  wildly  into  the  hideous  face  above  her,  her  lips 
a  livid  blue  ;  she  strove  to  speak,  but  a  choking  gasp  was  the 
only  audible  sound,  to  which  she  could  give  utterance. 

"  How  dai-e  you  emn"  here,  wretched  old  hag?"  exclaimed 
Kate,  passionately;  "  icave  the  house  instantly!  By  what 
right  dare  you  presume  to  enter  here?" 

^^  Might  is  right,"  said  the  old  woman,  with  a  mocking 
laugh  ;  ' '  did  I  not  dare  you  one  in  your  proud  halls  to  force 
me  out.     I  repeat  it  now,  forot;  rue  out  if  you  dare !" 

A  gleam  of  lurid  fire  shot  from  her  sharp  black  eyes  as 
she  stood  gazing  defiantly  in  Kate's  face. 

The  indignant  blood  throl'ed  and  beat  in  Kate's  heart  and 
temples.  At  any  other  time  fhe  might  have  forgiven  her  this 
intrusion,  but  now,  forcing  hciself  into  the  sacred  chamber 
of  death,  with  such  defiant  insolence,  roused  her  indignation 
almost  beyond  endurance.     A  passionate  torrent  of  anger 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


291 


I  th«  inner  room, 
land  of  ^lagdalen, 
lext  moment,  she 
u  the  presence  of 

cwildered.  Now, 
; ;  but  she  was  too 

face  with  Lad^ 
?s,  Kate  darted  in 
the  countess  with 
And  the  countess, 
,  her  large,  black 
bove  her,  her  lips 
king  gasp  was  the 
!  utterance. 

hag?"  exclaimed 
:antly !     By  what 

,  with  a  mocking 
•oud  halls  to  force 
on  dare !" 
irp  black  eyes  as 

Kate's  heart  and 
!  forgiven  her  this 
B  sacred  chamber 
d  her  indignation 

torrent  of  anger 


arose  to  her  lips,  and  it  was  only  the  recollection  that  she 
was  speaking  to  uu  old  woman  that  restrained  her. 

"  Well,  why  do  you  not  force  me  out,  most  angelic  young 
,ady,"  said  the  hag  with  a  mocking  sneer. 

"  Woman— leare  the  room,"  said  Kate,  sternly,  speaking 
calmly,  by  an  effort. 

"  Shall  I,  Madeline?"  said  Mother  Wail,  in  the  same  sneer- 
jag  tone,  turning  to  tiie  countess. 

Her  only  answer  was  an  imperious  gesture  for  Kate  to  leave 
the  room.  Surprised  and  anxious,  she  obeyed,  and  Lady 
Danemorc  and  the  Witch  of  the  Moor  were  together. 

"  Your  hiisbancVs  friends  don't  seem  to  welcome  your  rela- 
tions Yi.ry  warmly,  Madeline,"  said  Mother  Wail,  with  a  sar- 
donic sneer— wonder  if  Sir  Walter  Percy's  would  not  have 
treated  your  grandani  more  kindly." 

"  What  has  brought  you  here?"  said  the  countess  hoarsely, 
keeping  her  glittering  eyes  fixed,  as  if  fascinated,  on  the  re- 
pulsive face  of  the  old  crone. 

"•A  singular  question,"  was  the  sarcastic  answer.  "Why 
should  I  not  come  to  comfort  my  granddaughter,  on  the 
death  of  her  lover.  The  face  and  form  are  as  faultless  still, 
Madeline,  as  when  he  made  a  fool  of  you." 

Still  the  fixed,  steady  gaze  of  those  gleaming  black  eyes. 
Even  the  callous  old  witch  grew  uneasy  under  their  fixed,  un- 
altering  stare. 

"  Wliy  have  you  come  here?'  she  repeated  in  the  same  low, 
hoarse  tone,  that  gave  little  indication  of  the  fierce  passions 
rending  her  heart  within. 

•'You  shall  hear,"  exclaimed  the  old  woman,  her  whole 


41 


if 


292 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


manner  changing  to  pnc  of  exultant,  passionate  flercencsB. 
"  I  have  come  to  fulfil  my  vow.  Como  to  disclose  your  his- 
tory to  those  you  have  so  long  deceived,  como  to  let  him  see 
in  l)cr  true  colors  the  viper  he  lias  cherished  so  long.  Your 
child  and  his  tcho  now  lies  dead  is  without,  KndaU  shall  be  re- 
vealed this  night.  AVhat  more  fitting  time  than  when  all  are 
assembled  beneath  the  same  roof?  How  little  did  you  think, 
Madeline,  when  you  laughed  at  my  warning,  and  called  me  a 
'  doting  old  simpleton.'  that  it  would  come  to  this  !  How  lit- 
tle did  you  dream  when  you  parted  from  him  who  deceived 
you  that  this  would  bo  your  next  meeting!  Did  I  not 
tell  you  you  would  live  to  rue  the  day  you  disobej'ed  me  ? 
Did  I  not  tell  you  I  would  follow  you  to  the  uttermost 
bounds  of  the  earth  to  avenge  the  disgrace  you  brought  on 
a  before  imstained  name?  Have  I  not  kept  my  .vow?  Have 
I  not  pursued  you  ?  Have  I  not  followed  you  like  your  shad- 
ow over  the  world  ?  Have  I  not  wrung  your  heart  ?  Have  I 
not  held  your  child  for  years,  and  refused  all  your  prayers  to 
let  you  sec  her?  Have  I  not  been  avenged?  Look  up  and 
teU  me,  Madeline?" 

She  laughc  1  a  harsh,  discordant  laugh,  as  she  ceased  speak- 
ing, but  in  spite  of  herself,  her  eye  quailed  before  the  steady 
gaze  of  those  magnetic  black  eyes.  Not  once  did  they  falter 
in  their  calm,  fixed  look  while  she  spoke.  As  Mother  Wail 
ceased,  she  rose  to  her  feet,  slowly,  and  with  calm  dignity. 

"  And  this  is  your  errand?"  she  said,  slowly.  "  I  thank 
Heaven  that  the  time  has  como  at  last.  Go,  tell  them  all ; 
once  I  feared  it,  but  the  time  has  passed.  I  fear  you  no  long- 
er.    Come,  I  shall  assist  you." 


II  iV 


■■ 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


293 


onate  flercencsa. 
lisclose  yourhis- 
no  to  let  liira  see 

I  so  long.  Your 
nd  all  shall  be  re- 
han  when  all  are 
tic  did  you  think, 
,  and  called  me  a 
o  this  !  How  lit- 
lim  who  deceived 
ig!  Did  I  not 
.1  disobej'ed  me? 
to  the  uttermost 
!  you  brought  on 
;  my  .vow?  Have 
)u  like  your  shad- 
ir  heart  ?    Have  I 

II  your  prayers  to 
I?    Look  up  and 

she  ceased  speak- 
before  the  steady 
ce  did  they  falter 
As  Mother  Wail 
■h  calm  dignity, 
lowly.  "  I  thank 
Go,  tell  them  all ; 
fear  you  no  long- 


She  pushed  aside  the  curtain  as  she  spoke,  and  passed  out. 
Little  Magdalen  stood  still  where  the  old  woman  had  left 
her,  in  the  middle  of  the  floor.  The  countess  approached, 
parted  the  raven  curls  from  her  broad,  white  brow,  and  gaz- 
ing steadily  into  the  deep,  dark  eyes,  fixed  wonderingly  on 
her  face,  she  murmured  to  herself: 

"How  like!  how  like?" 

Then,  pressing  a  kiss  on  the  fair  brow,  she  raised  her  eyes 
and  calmly  encountered  the  gaze  of  those  around  her. 

"  My  lord,"  she  said,  turning  to  the  astonished  earl,  "  this 
woman  has  a  communication  to  make  in  private  to  you  and 
your  niece.  Believe  all  she  tells  you,  it  is  all  true.  I  will 
watch  by  the  dead  until  your  return.    Go  in  there." 

She  pointed  toward  tiie  inner  room.  Mother  Wail  was 
about  to  object,  but  there  was  a  sudden  flash  in  the  eye  of 
countess  that  warned  her  she  would  not  be  refused. 

The  earl  was  on  the  point  of  asking  an  explanation, 
when  Kate,  who  guessed  what  was  coming,  laid  her  band  on 
his  arm  and  drew  him  with  her. 

Mother  Wail  turned  to  follow,  first  taking  Magdalen  by  the 
band  to  bring  her  with  her ;  but  the  countess  interposed,  lay- 
ing her  hand  on  the  child's  head. 

"She  will  stay  with  me,"  she  said. 

Mother  Wail  did  not  object.  There  was  something  in  the 
face  of  the  countess  she  had  never  seen  there  before.  Mut- 
tering to  herself,  she  followed  the  earl  and  his  niece.  Kate 
drew  the  curtains,  and  in  silence  seated  herself  to  listen. 

25* 


smmssmsammt 


maM 


I 


294 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

UNITED   AT  LAST. 

"  She  loved,  but  her  bosom  had  buried  the  dart, 
And  there,  while  she  strove  to  conceal  it, 
Its  point  had  engraven  his  name  on  her  heart, 

Too  deep  for  her  lips  to  reveal  it ; 
But  now  not  a  trace  of  the  name  can  be  found; 

Witli  darkness  and  silence  hung  o'er  it," 
The  sacred  engraving  is  hid  in  the  ground. 
Laid  up  in  the  bosom  that  bore  it." — Miis  Oould. 

Thebe  was  silence  for  a  few  moments  within  the  room. 
The  earl  sat  gazing  in  silence,  first  at  the  old  woman  and 
then  at  Kate,  awaiting  impatiently  the  solving  of  this  mys- 
tery. 

"What  does  all  this  mean  ?"  demanded  the  earl  at  last, 
turning  to  Kate.  "What  has  this  old  woman  to  tell  us? 
What  could  my  lady  mean  ?" 

"Old  woman!"  repeated  Mother  Wail,  bitterly.  "You 
had  better  speak  more  respectfully,  my  lord,  of  the  grandam 
of  the  Countess  of  Dauemore. ' 

"  WJiatI"  exclaimed  the  earl,  indignantly;  "what  means 
this  insolence,  audacious  old  hag?  You,  her  grandam,  for- 
sooth !  You  had '  better  be  more  chary  of  your  words,  or 
you  will  presently  find  yourself  talking  to  the  outer  walls  of 
the  Moor  Manor." 


^- 


)  dart, 

it. 

hoart, 

found  i 

t," 

ml, 

Viss  Oould. 

r'ithin  the  room. 
i  old  woman  and 
ing  of  this  mys- 

the  earl  at  last, 
>maD  to  tell  us? 

bitterly.  "You 
,  of  the  grandam 


er  grandam,  for- 
f  your  words,  or 
tie  outer  walls  of 


THE  SECUET  SOBROW. 


29.5 


"My  lord,  calm  yourself,"  said  Kate,  hurriedly,  seeing 
t!ic  angry  flash  of  the  old  woman's  eye.  "  I  have  reasons 
for  knowing  what  she  says  is  true." 

"  Impossible  !"  exclaimed  her  uncle  in  amazement.  "  Lady 
Danomoro  the  grandchild  of  the  old  Witch  of  the  Moor !  It 
cannot  be !" 

"  It  is  even  so,  dear  uncle,"  said  Kate,  soothingly ;  "  re- 
member my  lady  told  you  to  believe  all  this  old  woman  said. 
I  assure  yon  it  is  true." 

"  Go  on — go  on  !"  said  the  earl,  shading  his  eyes  with  his 
hand.  "What  strange  events  are  taking  place  to-night?" 
he  muttered  to  himself. 

"  If  I  cannot  convince  you  now,  I  am  her  grandmother," 
said  the  old  woman,  "perhaps  you  will  believe  me  before  I 
have  done." 

"  My  name  is  Wail  Lorreaux  ;  I  am  French  by  birth — hav- 
ing been  born,  brought  up,  and  married  in  a  little,  sunny  vil- 
lage in  the  south  of  France.  That  part  of  my  liistory,  how- 
ever, does  not  concern  you,  so  I  will  briefly  pass  over  it. 

"  I  had  one  child,  a  daughter ;  asfairi  maiden  as  ever  tripped 
the  music  of  the  castanet.  At  eighteen  she  was  wedded  to 
one  above  her  in  rank  and  station,  who  had  been  brought  to 
her  feet  by  her  exceeding  beauty.  They  had  but  one  child, 
a  daughter,  called  Mandeline,  now  Countess  of  Dancmere." 

She  paused,  ai.>d  cast  a  triumphant  glance  toward  the  earl, 
who  still  sat  with  his  face  shaded  by  his  hand.  He  made  an 
impatient  motion  with  his  hand  for  her  to  proceed,  and,  after 
a  pause,  she  went  on : 


'f 


1 


296 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


I'  '• 


"As  I  said,  her  father  was  rich,  anil  Madeline  it  as  bronght 
up  and  educated  like  a  lady.  But  before  she  reached  the  ago 
of  fourteen  her  father  was  suddenly  killed,  and  her  mother 
did  not  long  survive  him.  Madeline  was  thus  left  an  orphan, 
with  no  one  to  take  chai-ge  of  her  but  me.  True,  there  were 
her  father's  relations,  but  they  would  not  notice  her,  as  her 
father  had  grievously  offended  them  by  marrying  one  so  far 
In  rank  below  them.  So  I  took  Madeline  to  my  own  cottage, 
and  in  time  learned  to  love  her,  almost  passionately.  But 
there  is  only  a  step  between  love  and  hatred,  as  I  soon  found 

out. 

"When  Madeline  was  about  sixteen,  there  came  a  gay 
young  English  nobleman  to  our  village.  He  called  himself 
Sir  Walter  Percy  ;  but,  though  his  words  and  bearing  were 
those  of  a  prince,  still,  from  the  first,  various  little  things- 
trifles  in  themselves— made  mo  suspect  he  was  not  what  he 

pretended. 

"  From  the  first,  Madeline  and  he  grew  attached  to  each 
other.  Every  day  saw  him  at  our  cottage,  reading  to  her, 
,and  telling  her  tales  of  far  off  lands ;  while  she  would  sit,  and 
listen  and  listen,  as  though  there  was  no  one  else  in  the  world 
save  himself.  Oh,  Heaven  !  how  the  girl  loved  hin. !  She 
worshiped  him ;  while  he,  the  son  of  a  cold-blooded  race, 
sought  her  society  because  she  pleased  him— because,  like 
a  spoiled  child,  he  wanted  a  new  toy  ! 

"  Some  secret  feeling  told  me,  from  the  first,  how  it  would 
end.  I  scolded,  I  threatened,  I  pleaded,  I  coaxed ;  but  all 
in  vain— she  was  infatuated.    She  only  laughed  at  me,  and 


THE  SECRET  SOUROyr, 


297 


dine  «  as  bronght 
le  reached  tlic  ago 
,  and  her  mother 
us  left  an  orphan, 
True,  there  were 
lotice  her,  as  her 
Trying  one  so  far 
)  my  own  cottage, 
lassionately.  But 
lI,  as  I  soon  founil 

here  camo  a  gay 
He  called  himself 
and  bearing  were 
JUS  little  things— 
le  was  not  what  he 

w  attached  to  each 
ge,  reading  to  her, 
she  would  sit,  and 
nc  else  in  the  world 
1  loved  him!  She 
cold-blooded  race, 
him — because,  like 

I  first,  how  it  would 
,  I  coaxed ;  but  all 
augbed  at  me,  and 


called  mc  an  old  simpleton  for  my  pains ;  yet  I  boro  it  all 
patiently,  for  I  loved  lier. 

"  Day  after  day  passed  on,  and  she  grew  still  more  infatu- 
ated. IIow  often,  '1  the  long  pleasant  evenings,  have  I 
watched  those  two — he  lying  at  her  feet,  playing  the  guitar, 
and  singing  love  ditties,  and  she  playing  idly  with  his  long, 
fair  locks  Mafoi!  the  girl  was  love-crazed.  I  think  she 
would  have  died  for  him,  had  he  wished  it. 

"  Well,  it  all  ended  as  I  foresaw  it  would.  Poor,  simple 
fool !  slic  really  dreamed  he  loved  her ;  while  he,  without 
even  bidding  his  victim  good-by,  left  the  village  as  secretly 
as  he  had  entered  it. 

"After  that,  I  forgot  she  was  my  grandchild  ;  I  could  only 
remember  that  she  had  brought  disgrace  upon  my  gray  hairs. 
A  child  was  born — " 

"  It  is  false — false  as  foul !"  shouted  the  carl,  springing 
madly  to  his  feet.  "  Hag — fiend  in  woman's  form — I  will 
tear  the  lie  from  j'our  perjured  heart !" 

She  looked  up  in  his  face,  with  a  calm,  mocking  smile. 

^'  Did  she  not  tell  you  to  believe  me  !"  she  said,  quietly. 

"  She  did  ;  but  I  will  never  believe  such  a  terrible  lie.  My 
lady  never  was  the  degraded  thing  you  would  have  me  be- 
lieve!" 

"  My  dear  lord,"  interposed  Kate,  "  it  is  hard  to  believe, 
but  nevertheless  it  is  so.  Do  not,  I  b  eech  you,  give  way 
to  violence  thus." 

"You,  too,  against  me,"  said  the  earl,  hoarsely;  "yon, 
too,  trying  to  m.olie  me  b<;lieve  this  accursed  story  ?    Woman, 


nmm 


mmm 


298 


THE  SECUET  SORROW. 


woman !  where  is  tliis  Sir  "Wftltcr  Percy — who  is  he,  that  I 
may  Hcnd  his  craven  soul  groveling  to  perdition  ? ' 

"  Behold  liim  in  the  dead  body  of  your  son!"  said  Mother 
Wail — her  withered  oounlcnancc  growing  almost  demoniacal, 
with  its  expression  of  fiendish  triumph. 

"  Oh,  Heaven  !'"  groaned  the  earl,  sinking  back,  and  bury- 
ing his  face  in  his  hands,  in  utter  despair. 

"Shall  I  go  on?"  said  Mother  Wail,  her  callous  heart 
touched,  in  spite  of  herself. 

"  YcB,"  said  Kate,  with  brief  sternness. 

"  A  few  weeks  after  the  birth  of  the  child,"  went  on  the 
old  woman.  "Madeline,  taking  it  with  her,  fled  one  night 
from  the  village.  I  had  driven  her  to  it  by  my  unceasing 
(„  taunts  and  reproaches,  and  it  was  but  natural,  for  many 

reasons,  she  should  wish  to  leave  the  village,  where  she  was 
a  mark  for  the  finger  of  scorn  to  point  at.  But  I  did  not,  I 
would  not,  think  of  pity;  neither  would  the  villagers.  It 
was  in  vain  that  our  good  old  cure,  who  iitid  loved  Madeline 
from  a  child,  repeated  the  words  of  the  Saviour,  '  Neither  do 
I  condemn  thee — go,  sin  no  more.'  I  only  thought  of  having 
my  revenge  for  the  disgrace  she  had  brought  upon  me.  I 
sold  my  cottage  and  furniture,  and  set  out,  determined  to  find 
her,  though  I  should  be  obliged  to  wander  the  world  over.  I 
was  confident  of  success ;  but  in  spite  of  all  my  endeavors, 
three  months  passed  away,  and  I  had  obtained  no  clew  to 
/         her  whereabouts. 

"  At  last  I  determined  to  go  to  Paris.  It  seemed  hardly 
probable  that  Madeline  would  go  to  that  great  city,  unknown, 


-who  in  he,  that  I 
tiou  ? ' 

on!"  said  Mother 
most  demoniacal, 

J  back,  and  bury- 

ler  callous  heart 


ild,"  went  on  the 
icr,  fled  one  night 
by  my  unceasing 
latiiral,  for  many 
2,  where  she  was 
But  I  did  not,  I 
the  villagers.     It 

I  loved  Madeliuo 
iour,  '  Neither  do 
thought  of  having 
light  upon  me.  I 
leterniined  to  find 
:he  world  over.    I 

II  my  endeavora, 
taiued  no  clew  to 

It  seemed  hardly 
iat  city,  unknown, 


THE  SECRET  SOIIROW. 


290 


poor,  ani'  friendless,  but  I  knew  not  where  else  to  go.    I  ob« 
taincd  lo'ltjings.  and  set  myself  diligently  to  work  to  find  her. 

"One  day,  as  I  was  passing  tiiu  store  of  a  fashionable  miU 
liner,  a  piece  of  exquisite  embroidery  caught  my  eye.  Made- 
line had  been  educated  in  a  convent,  and  tlio  nuns  '"d  taught 
her  to  work  beautifully.  It  was  tlic  only  kind  of  work  sha 
had  over  been  good  for,  and  I  immediately  recognized  it  as 
a  piece  of  work  she  had  finished  l)efore  she  fled  from  the  vil- 
lage, and  which  I  knew  she  had  taken  with  her. 
'  •*  I  stepped  into  the  store  and  asked  the  milliner  of  whom 
she  had  bought  it,  saying  I  had  a  particular  and  most  urgent 
reason  for  wishing  to  know. 

"  The  woman,  however,  could  give  mo  but  little  informa- 
tion ;  a  young,  and  as  she  imagined,  pretty  woman  had 
brought  it,  with  several  other  pieces,  thero  to  bo  sold  ;  and, 
as  she  worked  beautifully,  she  had  engaged  her  by  the  week 
to  work  for  her. 

"Of  her  personal  appearance,  she  could  only  say  she  was 
very  pale,  and  quiet,  and  lady-like,  with  splendid  eyes,  and 
always  dressed  in  deepest  mourning — a  young  widow,  mad- 
ame  imagined,  as  she  often  brought  a  baby  with  her. 

"  I  had  learned  enough  to  satisfy  me  that  it  was  Madeline ; 
and,  having  learned  the  day  she  was  expected,  I  determined 
to  watch.  Accordingly,  I  stationed  myself  where  I  could  see 
all  who  entered  madame's,  without  being  noticed  myself  ;  and 
very  soon  had  the  satisfaction  of  beholding  the  milliner's 
pretty  '  young  widow'  in  black  enter. 

*'I  knew  her  immediately,  although  she  was  closely  vailed. 


'i. 
I 


Wimc  Willi J  tmmsmmmmmmmm^imsmsim 


800 


THE  SECRET  EOHROTT. 


"When  slic  quitted  the  shop,  I  followed  her,  ami  having  dis- 
covered the  house  wlicrc  she  lodged,  I  returned  in  triumph  to 
my  owu  npnrtnu'iits. 

"  The  next  day,  disguised  ns  a  beggar,  I  visited  the  house, 
nnd  l»ya  few  artful  inquiries  learned  that  the  piotty  lady  in 
black,  as  she  was  called — for  no  one  know  her  name — always 
left  her  baby  in  charge  of  a  little  girl,  a  daughter  of  the  land- 
lady, when  she  went  out.  Satislled  that  my  object,  which 
was  to  steal  the  child,  could  be  easily  accomplished,  I  waited 
with  impatience  for  the  arrival  of  the  day  ou  which  she  was 
to  visit  the  milliner  with  her  work. 

"  It  came  at  last,  and,  when  she  was  out  of  sight,  I  went 
boldly  up  to  her  apartments,  and  told  the  girl  that  the  '  pret- 
.  ty  lady,'  who  had  gone  to  the  ujillinor's,  had  sent  mo  for  her 
baby.  The  girl  gave  up  the  diild  witliout  hesitation.  As  I 
wrapped  little  JIagdalen— for  so  Madeline  had  named  the 
child— in  my  cloak,  I  turned  to  the  little  girl : 

"  '  Tell  the  pretty  lady,'  said  I,  '  when  she  comes,  that 
Mother  Wail  came  for  the  baby.     Slio  may  like  to  know.' 

"The  girl  promised,  and  I  quitted  the  house.  AH  the 
money  I  possessed  in  the  world  was  in  my  pocket.  I  went 
down  to  one  of  the  piers.  A  ship  was  there  just  ready  to 
start  for  Kugland.  I  took  passage  on  board,  and  in  a  short 
time  the  shore  of  Franco  was  lost  to  view. 

"I  could  speak  a  little  English;  for  Sir  Walter  had,  by 
Madeline's  desire,  taught  her;  and,  listening  to  them,  I  had 
learned,  too.  I  determined  to  support  myself  as  a  fortune- 
teller.   I  knew  there  were  always  plenty  of  fools  in  all  large 


-1^ 


THE  SECRET  SOUUOW. 


801 


r,  and  having  clis- 
rued  in  Iriuiuph  to 

[  visited  the  house, 
tlic  piPtty  Indy  in 
her  name — always 
iglitcT  of  tlic  laud- 
iny  object,  wliich 
npli.sliod,  I  waited 
oil  which  she  was 

It  of  sight,  I  went 
;irl  that  tlic  '  prct- 
id  sent  mo  for  her 
hesitation.  As  I 
c  had  uamcd  the 
il: 

II  she  comes,  that 
like  to  know.' 

house.  All  the 
y  pocket.  I  went 
ore  just  ready  to 
-d,  and  in  a  shoit 

ir  Walter  had,  by 
ig  to  them,  I  had 
elf  as  a  fortune- 
fools  in  all  large 


cities  who  will  eagerly  pay  any  one  to  tell  their  fortunes- 
more  particularly  ii  foreigner.  I  possessed  a  pretty  tlioruugh 
knowledge  of  liumnii  nature  ;  and,  as  I  eouM  eaniiy  read  Iho 
simpletons  who  resorted  to  me  in  crowds,  I  was  aMe  in  many 
eases  to  come  pretty  near  the  truth,  ond  soon  acquired  iu 
London  :\  wide-spread  popularity  and  fame  as  a  fortuno 
teller.  Serpents,  snakes,  magic  mirrors,  lanterns,  skulls  and 
cross-bones,  and  all  sorts  of  strange  and  mystic  things  likely 
to  impress  superstitious  minds  filled  my  rooms.  I  soon  grew 
rich  ;  for  the  noblest  and  wealthiest  in  the  land  showed  tlicin- 
selvcs  to  be  as  great  fools  as  their  inferiors,  and  came  in 
crowds  to  consult  Mother  Wail,  the  witch,  as  I  was  called. 

"  So  seven  years  passed  on.  During  that  time  I  had  nc  ;cr 
heard  of  I^Iadeline  or  Sir  Walter,  and  I  knew  not  whether 
they  were  living  or  dead,  when  one  day,  passing  down  a  fash- 
ionable thoroughfare,  I  saw  a  splendid  equipage,  which  I  in- 
stantly guessed  to  belong  to  some  noble,  come  dashing 
down  the   street.     Turning  to  a  passer-by,  I  inquired  whoso 

it  was. 

"  My  eyes !'  said  the  man,  looking  at  mc  in  surprise. 
'  You  Must  be  green  not  to  know  whose  that  is.  It's  the 
Earl  of  Danemore ;  and  there's  my  lady  sitting  in  it,  the 
handsomest  woman  iu  England.' 

"  I  cargerly  pressed  forward,  anxious  to' sec  one  who  could 
justify  this  eulogium,  when  the  carriage  suddenly  stopped.  I 
looked  up,  and  judge  of  my  surpise  to  see  in  it,  dressed  mag- 
nificently, and  looking  more  beautiful  than  ever,  my  grand- 
daughter, Madeline  Desbreaux.  . . 

8C 


"I. 


m'xamiiiii!mim*i<''i^mnaaamii!>^veiiismfSM 


302 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


t- 


"I  staggered  back,  thunder-struck  at  the  sight.  Recover- 
ing myself,  I  turned  to  the  man,  who,  with  a  crowd  of  others, 
had  stopped  to  gaze  upon  the  splendid  turn-out,  and  in- 
quired :  • 

'"Who  is  that  lady?' 

"  '  Why,  granny  !  it's  the  Countess  ofDancmcre!' 
"As  he  spoke  the  carriage  started,  and  in  a  moment  was 
out  of  sight.  I  turned  and  walked  home  with  mingled  emo- 
tions, which  I  cannot  attempt  to  describe.  When  last  I  had 
seen  Madeline  she  was  a  poor  sewing-girl,  and  now  a 
coiintess!  What  a  change!  How  had  it  occnrred?  I 
thought,  and  thought,  till  my  head  grew  giddy ;  but  aU  was 
in  vain. 

"  I  soon  discovered  that  Dirritolc  was  the  family  mansion 
of  the  lords  of  Dauemore,  and  thither  I  determined  to  go. 
I  was  tired  of  life  in  the  city.  I  had  money  enough  to  last 
me  for  the  remainder  of  my  life,  and  I  determined  to  quit  it 
forever.  The  moor  was  lonely  and  unfrequented,  and  it  was 
near  enougli  to  Dlrritole  for  my  purpose.  Here  I  had  a  cot 
built,  and  here,  with  Magualeu,  my  brave  dog.  Death,  and 
my  fierce  cat.  Imp,  I  removed. 

"  I  was  ever  on  the  alert ;  night  and  day  found  me  watch- 
ing, and  I  soon  discovered  that  the  old  Moor  Manor  had  in- 
mates. I  could  follow  a  trail  as  surely  and  as  stealthily  as  a 
North  American  Indian  ;  and  with  the  cunning  and  secrecy 
of  a  serpent,  in  spite  of  all  their  precautious,  I  found  out 
the  secret  entrance  and  the  character  of  its  inmates ;  but 
judge  of  my  surprise  to  discover  in  Captain  Eaymond,  the 


sight  Recover- 
i  crowd  of  others, 
turn-out,  and  in- 


7icmcre  I' 

11  fi  rnoraent  was 
ith  mingled  emo- 
Whcu  last  I  had 
jirl,  and  now  a 
it  occnrred?  I 
Idy  ;  but  all  was 

!  family  mansion 
etermined  to  go. 
y  enough  to  last 
I'mined  to  quit  it 
Mited,  and  it  was 
lerc  I  had  a  cot 
dog,  Death,  and 

'ound  me  watch- 
i"  Manor  had  in- 
is  stealthily  as  a 
ing  and  secrecy 
>us,  I  found  out 
ts  inmates ;  but 
0  Eaymond,  the 


THE  SECRET  SORROW.  303 

rover  chief,  the  betrayer  of  my  grandchild.   Sir  Walter 

Percy. 

"What  new  discoveries  was  I  to  make?  I  fe.t  sure  there 
were  more  to  come  yet ;  and  I  was  not  disappointed. 

"  One  night,  I  learned  there  was  to  be  n.  great  ball  given 
at  Dirritolc  by  its  master,  to  honor  the  arrival  of  his  niece. 
I  had  not  yet  seen  Madeline ;  but  I  determined  to  go  that 
night,  and'thc  more  to  overwhelm  her  with  shame  and  sur-. 
pi^se,  to  confront  her  in  the  presence  of  her  new  and  aristo- 
cratic relatives. 

"Taking  Magdalen  with  me,  as  soon  as  it  grew  dark,  I 
started.  The  servants  were  all  busily  running  to  and  fro, 
and  I  entered  the  house  unnoticed. 

"  Stealing  up  stairs  unnoticed,  I  determined  to  reconnoiter. 
I  passed  through  various  rooms,  all  brilliantly  lighted,  but 
in  an  opposite  end  of  the  mansion  from  that  in  which  I  knew 
the  guests  were  assembled.  Suddenly  I  found  myself  in  the 
picture  gallery.  Yes  ;  there  hung  ^ladeline's  portrait,  paler 
and  sadder  looking  than  of  old,  but  even  more  beautiful ;  and 
beside  it  hung  another  that  made  my  heart  stand  stUl.  It 
was  that  of  a  bright,  handsome,  uvHg  looking  boy,  every 
line  of  whose  handsome  face  was  perftc^j  familiar  to  me. 
Underneath  wa^  the  name  :  •  TfaZ^er,  dde.c  sm  of  Lord  Dane- 
more:  I  recognized  it  instantly.  In  him  I  beheld  Sir  Wal- 
ter Percy  alias  Captain  Raymond,  the  pirate  chief." 

A  stifled  groan  came  from  the  white  lips  of  the  earl ;  but 
without  appearing  to  notice  it.  Mother  Wail  ^^v;at  on  : 

"I    was    stunned,   bcwUdered    by  this    new    discovery. 


*04  THE  SECRET  SOUROW. 

Taking  Magdalen  with  me,  I  determii^ccl  to  learn  vhat  I  could 
of  this  new  mystery ;  and  concluding  that  the  servants  were 
the  best  to  apply  to,  I  met  a  pert  looking  chamber-maid,  and 
having  told  her  fortune,  and  promised  her  a  rich  husband,  by 
a  few  artfully  put  inquiries,  I  leanied  the  history  of  the  fate 
of  the  earls  eldest  son. 

"  I  was  nou  perfectly  convinced  that  he  and  Captain  Ray- 
mond were  one  and  the  same  person.  Full  of  the  important 
secret  I  had  so  unexpectedly  learned,  I  catered  the  drawing- 
room,  and  appeared  among  the  guestfi.  What  followed  you 
know.  I  stood  before  Lady  Dunemore  ;  she  recognized  me  ; 
shrieked,  and  fell  senseless  to  the  ground.  The  earl  at- 
tempted  to  force  mc  out ;  but  I  had  a  claim  on  him,  too.  I 
knew  the  secret  of  his  prisoners  in  the  old  Moor  Manor,  and 
he  dared  not  put  his  threat  in  execution. 

"^I  felt  perfectly  sure  that  Madeline  would  immediately 
visit  me.     I  was  not  mistaken  ;  the  nest  night,  accompanied 
by  a  little  Freuch  girl,  she  came  to  me  in  my  hut  on  the  moor. 
There  I  learned  from  her  her  history.     After  the  loss  of  her 
child,  she  was  for  awhile  quite  delerious— 'or  she  thought  I 
would  kill  it;  but  fiend  that  I  was,  I  could  not  do  that. 
When  she  recovered,  she  came  to  England.    Why  she  had 
done  so,  she  could  not  tell.     She  had  no  idea  T  was  here. 
Some  secret  feeling  she  could  not  resist  forced  her  to  come- 
perhaps  the  hope  of  meeting  her  lover,  whom  she  still  loved 
as  passionately  as  ever.      But  she  never  saw  him  more. 
Shortly  after  her  arrival,  a  rich,  childish,  old  lady,  a  Mrs. 
Ro:Mort,  met  her— was  strack  by  her  youth  and  aiugular 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


d05 


learn  t "hat  I  could 
the  sen'ants  were 
ihamber-maid,  and 
»  rich  liusbaud,  by 
listory  of  the  fate 

and  Captain  Ray- 
of  the  important 
2rcd  the  drawing- 
hat  followed  you 
le  recognized  me ; 
d.  The  earl  at- 
I  on  Jiim,  too.  I 
VIoor  Manor,  and 

)uld  immediately 
?ht,  accompanied 
hut  on  the  moor. 
!r  the  loss  of  her 
or  she  thought  I 
lid  not  do  that. 
.    Why  she  had 
idea  T  was  here, 
ed  her  to  come — 
n  she  still  loved 
saw  him  more. 
Id  lady,  a  Mrs. 
itb  and  singular 


beauty  ;  and  learning  she  was  an  orphan,  poor  and  friendless, 
adopted  her,  with  a  sudden  impulse  of  generosity,  as  her  own 
child. 

»'  Here  she  lived  for  some  years ;  and  here  the  Earl  of 
Danemore  met  her,  and  fell  deeply  in  love  with  her  at  first 
sight.  He  urged  her  to  marry  him  ;  so  did  Mrs.  Rochfort, 
and  Madeline  consented.  She  told  me  that,  at  the  death  of 
Mrs.  Rochfort,  she  knew  she  would  be  left  utterly  destitute 
and  friendless  ;  she  wanted  a  home — a  place  of  rest  for  the 
remainder  of  her  days.  She  did  not  dream  then  that  he  was 
the  father  of  him  whose  wondrous  beauty  had  first  ensnared 
her  girlish  heart,  and  whom  she  still  idolized  ;  for  Madeline 
is  not  one  who  can  love  twice.  Well,  she  was  married ;  a 
strange  bridal  it  must  have  been,  wedding  the  father,  when 
she  should  have  been  the  bride  of  the  son." 

Oh,  Heaven  have  mercy !"  came  from  the  ghastly  lips  of 
the  carl. 

"  Her  husband  brought  her  home  to  Dirritole.  And  there 
she  beheld  that  picture.  Like  me  she  knew  it  instantly  ;  and 
then  who  can  know  how  she  felt  when  she  knew  she  was  the 
wife  of  the  father  of  him  she  so  well  and  vainly  loved?  She 
heard  his  atory,  too — heard  he  had  been  drowned,  and  knew 
in  her  heait  that  ho  still  lived. 

"  That  night  Madeline — always  so  cold,  so  proud,  so 
haughty — humbled  herself  on  her  knees  before  me — ^me,  whom 
she  had  once  despised  in  her  heart.  Her  husband  hud  been 
the  kindest  of  husbands  to  her ;  she  did  not,  could  not,  love 
him ;  but  she  felt  grateful  to  him,  and  would  not  for  worlds 

26* 


r* 


806 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


link  his  name  with  hers  in  disgrace.  She  implored  ,ne  on  her 
knees  not  to  let  the  world  know  her  history — not  for  her  own 
sake,  but  for  his.  She  begged,  and  wept,  and  prayed,  as 
only  a  mother  can,  to  see  her  child  once  move— only  once— 
but  she  pleaded  in  vaiu.  My  heart  was  like  steel,  and  Ire- 
fused  I  thought  she  would  have  died  that  night.  The  agony 
she  suffered  almost  touched  vvj  heart — even  mine,  harder  than 
iron." 

She  paused  for  a  moment,  and  wiped  the  great  drops  of 
perspiration  off  her  furrowed  brow.  All  the  events  of  that 
fatal  night  flashed  like  lightning  through  Kate's  mind,  as  she 
flat  white  and  speechless  with  pity  and  horror.  The  carl  still 
lay  motionless,  his  head  bowed  on  his  hands,  like  one  sud- 
denly striken  with  death. 

"I  have  but  little  more  to  tell,"  went  on  Mother  Wail, 
rapidly.  "  You  know  now,  my  lord,  the  history  of  your 
wife.  Her  child  and  that  of  your  son  is  with  her  in  the  outer 
room.  I  shall  resign  her  to  you,  as  I  am  about  to  quit 
England  forever.  I  made  a  vow  to  be  revenged ;  I  have 
kept  it,  and  my  task  is  cided.  I  know  I  have  done  wrong. 
I  am  almost  sorry  for  it  now ;  but  it  is  too  late  for  useless  re- 
grets. Forgive  you"  wife,  my  lord.  The  world  knows  not 
of  her  history  ;  and  if  suffering  and  sorrow  can  atone  for  her 
ain,  hers  has  been  forgircn  long  ago.  The  dead  and  the  liv- 
ing alike  have  been  to  blame  :  but  oh !  my  lord,  a  life  of  sad- 
ness and  suffering  has  been  the  lot  of  each,  and  now,  at  last, 
shall  they  not  be  forgiven  ?" 
"You — you  to  speak  of  forgiveness,  you  monster  in  woman's  • 


■i»»^[^ 


plored  ,ne5  on  her 
-not  for  her  own 
and  pruj'cd,  as 
tre — only  once — 
e  steel,  and  Ire- 
ght.  The  agony 
ttine,  harder  than 

le  great  drops  of 
e  events  of  that 
te's  mind,  as  she 
ir.  The  earl  still 
ids,  like  one  sud- 

on  Mother  Wail, 
!  history  of  your 
:h  her  in  the  outer 
im  about  to  quit 
revenged ;  I  have 
lave  done  wrong, 
ate  for  useless  re- 
world  knows  not 
can  atone  for  her 
dead  and  the  liv- 
lord,  a  life  of  sad- 
and  now,  at  last, 

lonster  in  woman's  • 


THE  SECRET  SORKOW. 


807 


form !"  said  the  carl,  hoarsely,  rising  and  confronting  the 
old  woman,  with  glaring  eyes  and  ghastly  face.  "  You,  who 
showed  mercy  neither  to  helpless  infancy  nor  suffering 
womanhood  ;  you,  wiio  exulted  in  the  agony  of  your  victims, 
you,  v.ho  pursued  them  even  to  the  threshold  of  death  with 
unrelenting  vengence  ;  you  to  talk  of  mercy  and  forgiveness  ! 
Oh,  my  son,  my  son !  Oh,  my  wife !  my  long-suffering, 
heart-broken  Madeline !  Oh,  wretch  !  monster !  tigress ! 
leave  my  sight  before  my  tongue  is  tempted  to  curse  yonr 
gray  hairs !" 

"  Uncle  !  uncle  !  for  Heaven's  sake,  calm  yourself ;  remem- 
ber we  arc  in  the  presence  of  the  dead  !"  said  Kate,  throwing 
her  arms  around  his  neck,  and  making  an  imperious  sign  for 
the  woman  to  go. 

"  1  obey  you,  my  lord.  I  deserve  all  you  have  said.  In 
a  few  days  I  shall  be  once  more  in  my  native  laud.  I  shall 
see  you  again  before  then." 

And  wrapping  herself  in  her  cloak,  with  a  softer  light  in 
her  eyes  tiian  had  shone  there  for  many  a  day,  she  silently 
quitted  the  old  Moor  Manor  forever. 

"My  wife,  my  wife!'  exclaimed  the  earl,  wringing  his 
hands,  unconscious  of  what  he  was  doing.  "Oh,  Kate,  how 
that  brave,  strong  heart  has  suffered,  watching  and  waiting 
all  those  long  years  for  one  who  came  not !  To  be  parted 
from  each  other  in  life,  and  only  to  meet  thus  at  last !  Oh, 
Madeline!  Madeline!" 

He  paced  the  floor  wildly  in  his  bitter  sorrow. 

"Shall  we  not  go  to  her?'  said  Kate,  as  her  tears  fell 


<: 


1 


SOS 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


fast.  "Will  you  not  tell  her  vith  your  c  n  ll;8  she  is 
forgiven?" 

"  Yes,  yes !  I  have  nothing  to  forgive  ;  but  let  us  go,  my 
poor,  poor  wife !'    • 

He  leaned  on  Kate's  arm,  for  excessive  emotion  had  made 
him  weak  as  an  infant.  They  reached  the  outer  room  and 
approached  the  bed  of  death.  The  cliild  Magdalen  stood  at 
the  foot,  gazing  with  her  great  mournful  black  eyes  on  the 
face  of  her  dead  father. 

And  kneeling  by  the  bedside,  her  head  resting  on  the  cold 
bosom  of  the  dead,  her  long  black  hair  streaming  wildly  over 
the  pillow  and  over  his  bosom,  lay  my  lady.  She  did  not 
look  up  as  they  approached.  As  immovable  as  a  marble 
statue  she  knelt. 

"Dear  Aunt  Madeline !"  said  Kate,  taking  her  cold  hand. 

She  moved  not — spoke  not.  Kate  raised  her  head ;  all  was 
cold  and  still.  She  looked  down  in  the  white  face — the  beauti- 
ful features  were  fixed  and  rigid  ;  the  mournful  dark  eyes  were 
closed  forever.     My  lady  was  dead  I 

And  there,  on  the  bosom  of  him  she  loved,  her  spirit  had 
departed.  They  had  gone  together — ^those  two  so  sti'au^cly 
separated  in  life,  so  strangely  united  in  death  I 


1 


c    n  11. s  she  is 

but  let  us  go,  my 

jmotioD  had  made 
J  outer  room  and 
lagdalen  stood  at 
black  eyes  on  the 

esting  on  the  cold 
amiug  wildly  over 
dy.  She  did  not 
able  as  a  marble 

ing  her  cold  hand. 
.  her  head ;  all  was 
J  face — the  beauti- 
ful dark  eyes  were 

ed,  her  spirit  had 
i  two  so  sti'au2;cly 
ith! 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


S09 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

RECXION. 

"  Sprinkle  swoot  blossoms  o'er  her 
Low  and  quiet  grave ; 
She  was  aye  a  gentle  flower ; 
Do  not  let  a  willow  bower 
O'er  her  ashes  wave." — J.  W,  H, 

«'  My  lord,"  said  Kate,  gently  and  sadly,  "she  is  dead." 

He  stared  like  one  bewildered,  luit  spoke  not. 

"She  needs  not  your  forgiveness  now;  all  her  earthly 
troubles  are  over.  She  is  at  rest,"  said  Kate,  earnestly 
taking  his  hand. 

"  Dead !  Madeline,  Walter—all  dead  I" 
.    Ho  looked  bewildered. 

"Not  all,  dear  uncle;  there  are  many  still  alive  to  love 
you.  And  this  child,  theirs,  will  you  not  lova  her  for  the 
sake  of  the  dead?  Corac  here,  Magdalen,"  said  Kate,  turn- 
ing toward  her. 

She  came  quietly  forward  and  stood  beside  them. 

Kate  brushed  back  the  long,  black  ringlets,  and  her  eyes 
filled  as  she  met  the  large,  sad,  beseeching,  dark  eyes— so 
like,  so  like  those  whose  light  was  quenched  forever  in  the 
darkness  of  death. 

"  Poor  child,  poor  little  one !"  she  said,  kissing  fondly  the 


f 

w. 


rtHtVti 


810 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


i 


fair  brow.     "  Oh,  uncle,  see  how  much  she  Is  likf  those  who 
have  gone!" 

He  looked  down  in  the  sweet,  childish  face,  and,  strong 
man  as  he  was,  his  head  fell  on  her  shoulder,  and  be  wept. 

•'  Don't  cry.  I  love  you,"  said  Magdalen,  suddenly  throw- 
ing her  arms  around  bis  necii,  with  the  usual  impulse  of 
childhood  to  comfort  all  who  weep. 

The  outburst  of  grief  relieved  his  surcharged  heart.  He 
was  able  to  look  np  an*!  listen  to  Kate,  as  she  proposed  that 
the  lifeless  forms  should  be  conveyed  to  Dirritole  and  pri- 
vately interred  in  the  family  \av\t  there. 

He  silently  assented.  The  carriage  which  had  brought 
them  was  still  in  waiting,  and  before  noon  the  lifeless  forms 
lay  side  by  side  in  a  darkened,  white-draped  room  at  Dirritole. 
Old  Moll  and  little  Magdalen  were  there,  too.  The  faithful 
negress  refused  to  leave  the  chamber  where  lay  all  that  was 
mortal  of  her  once  kind  master.  She  crouched  in  a  shadowy 
corner,  her  arms  clasping  her  knees  as  she  rocked  too  and 
fro,  still  chanting  to  herself  her  dreary  dirge.  Shy  and  si- 
lent Magdalen  sat  by  herself,  watching  wistfully  the  many 
figures  that  glided  past  her,  silent  and  noiselsss,  like 
ghosts. 

We  pass  over  the  astonishment  and  grief  of  the  household 
at  hearing  of  the  death  of  their  fair  young  lady.  Ms'ie  Nel- 
son fell  into  hysterics  at  the  news,  and  kept  every  one  in  the 
house  generally  in  a  state  of  confusion. 

Pale,  and  still  at  the  head  of  the  bed  of  death  sat  the  earl, 
gazing  steadily  and  mournfully  into  the  faces  of  the  dead. 


is  likr  those  who 

face,  and,  strong 
;r,  and  be  wept. 
3,  suddenly  throw- 
usual  impulse  of 

larged  heart.    He 

she  proposed  that 

Dirritole  and  pri- 

rhichhad  brought 
I  the  lifeless  forms 
I  room  at  Dirritole. 
too.  The  faithful 
ire  lay  all  that  was 
iched  in  a  shadowy 
he  rocked  too  and 
irge.  Shy  and  si- 
ivistfully  the  many 
nd    noiselsss,  like 

!f  of  the  household 
lady.  Ms'ie  Nel- 
pt  every  one  in  the 

death  sat  the  carl, 
faces  of  the  dead. 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


8tl 


They  were  such  a  contrast,  those  two  lifeless  forms  before 
him,  bound  togctlicr  in  life  and  death  so  strangely.  He,  so 
fair,  so  calm-looking — she,  so  dark,  yet  beautiful,  with  the 
look  of  fixed  sorrow  she  had  ever  worn  in  life  yet  resting  on 
her  face.  He  sat  and  gazed,  and  gazed — as  though  there 
were  nothing  in  the  whole  world  besides.  And  to  him,  what 
was  left  ? 

Kate  had  written  to  Lord  Arndale  immediately  upon  their 
arrival,  detailing  with  brief  yet  simple  pathos  the  whole  sad 
story  from  beginning  to  end. 

Before  night  he  arrived,  and  the  two  brothers  who  had  once 
loved  each  other  so  well  were  beneath  the  same  roof  once 
more.  How  different — how  widely  different  had  been  their 
paths  through  life  !  Tears  which  did  honor  to  his  manly  heart, 
fell  from  the  man's  eyes  as  he  gazed. 

Night  again  had  settled  down  another  time.  In  the  cham- 
ber of  death  were  assembled  the  earl.  Lord  Arndale,  Kate, 
Magdalen,  and  Old  Moll,  when  suddenly  the  door  was  thrown 
open,  and  Mother  Wail,  the  Witch  of  the  Moor,  stood  again 
before  them.  A  slight,  girlish  figure  stood  behind  her.  She 
advanced ;  all  sprang  to  their  feet,  their  hearts  beating  wild- 
ly ;  her  cloak  fell  off,  and  springing  forward,  panting  and 
almost  senseless,  Alice  Desmond  lay  on  the  bosom  of  Lord 
Arndale. 

"  Said  I  not  I  would  come  again  !"  said  the  old  woman, 
quietly. 

•'Alice!  Alice!  can  this  bo  real?"  exclaimed  Kate,  like 
one  bewildered,  while  Lord  Arndale  could  only  fold  iL^r  BtilL 


$i§ 


THE  SECRET  SOUHOW. 


ilii' 


closer  in  bia  arras,  as  though  doubting  the  evidence  of  his 
senses. 

"Dear  Harry!"  said  Alice,  raising  her  soft  eyes  to  his 
face.     "  You-  ."athcr — I  must  speak  to  him." 

He  opened  his  arms  silently.  She  glided  forward,  and 
stood  beside  the  carl,  who  sat  white  and  motionless  beside 
the  dead  form  of  his  wife. 

»'  My  lord,  said  Alice,  gently,  "  I  forgive  yon  for  the  past. 
Shall  we  not  bo  friends  in  future  ?  In  the  presence  of  the 
dead  all  should  be  forgotten  and  forgiven.* 

"  Forgive  me,"  he  groaned,  "  and  after  all  I  made  you  suf- 
fer?   Ah,  Alice,  you  are  indeed  avenged  !" 

"But  how — what  does  all  this  mean?"  demanded  Lord 
Amdale,  impetuously.  "  How  came  you  with  this  woman, 
Alice?    How  came  you  to  leave  the  old  Moor  Slanor?' 

"  She  did  not  leave  it,"  broke  in  Mothci  Wr.il,  calmly.  I 
took  her  away.  You  see,  my  lord,"  she  added,  turning  to 
the  carl,  "  I  watched  you  that  morning,  and  saw  you  taking 
off  those  two  servants  bound  and  gagged  in  the  carriage.  I 
suspected  something  wrong,  and  detcimined  to  roniovc  Miss 
Desmond.  Accordini,<y,  after  you  had  left,  I  entered  and 
found  her  lying  senseless  on  the  floor.  I  raised  her  in  my 
arms,  for  she  is  light  as  an  infant,  and  I  am  still  strong,  and 
carrictl  her  to  my  hut.  I  judged  when  you  missed  her  search 
would  be  made,  and  I  accordingly  took  measures  to  prevent 
you  from  finding  her.  Taking  a  hint  from  the  old  Moor 
Manor,  I  had  when  my  cottage  was  constructed  an  under- 
ground cbaml>er  coDstracted,  and  when  you  visited  my  hut  I 


iii><Mimtw»njM.'i.4m!iia«i>»'.^'M--ti-i".»J-- 


I 


5  evidence  of  liin 

soft  cyca  to  hia 

clod  forward,  find 
motionless  beside 

!  you  for  the  past. 
!  presence  of  the 

ill  I  made  you  suf- 

'  demanded  Lord 
with  this  woman, 
lor  ISIanor?"' 
■\Vr.il,  calmly.  I 
idded,  turning  to 
d  saw  you  taking 
I  the  carriage.  I 
1  to  romovo  Miss 
ft,  I  entered  and 
raised  her  in  my 
1  still  strong,  and 
missed  her  search 
asures  to  prevent 
>m  the  old  Moor 
ructed  an  under- 
»  visited  my  hut  I 


THE  SECHET  SORROW. 


til 


bid  Miss  Desmond  there.  That  is  all.  I  have  brought  her 
back  to  you  ;  I  have  told  her  all  that  has  transpired,  and  you 
sec  she  i^J  still  willing  to  forgive  you.  And  now  farewell. 
Before  d.iybrcak  I  shall  bo  far  on  my  way  toward  la  bell* 
France." 

She  turned  and  quitted  the  apartment.  There  was  a  mo- 
ment's profound  silence,  and  then  Kate  said  : 

"  But  all  this  time  I  have  not  learned  why  you  carried  Alice 
off,  uncle.  She  went  with  you  voluntarily,  yet  against  her 
will.     It  seems  strange." 

"  It  is  easily  explained,"  said  the  earl,  "and  with  the  rest 
of  my  evil  deeds,  shall  be  explained.  In  the  flrst  place  I 
owed  her  father  a  grudge  this  many  a  year,  and  being  evil 
by  nature,  I  resolved  to  pay  it  off.  Secondly,  Alice  was 
poor,  and  I  wished  Arndalo  to  marry  Lord  Ncttervillc'a 
daughter,  whoso  fortune  was  immense,  and  whose  broad 
lands  would  then  be  joined  to  those  of  Dancn-  .re.  These, 
and  other  considerations,  made  me  wish  to  get  her  out  of  the 
way,  for  I  imagined  if  Arndalc  thought  Alice  lost  to  him,  ho 
would  the  more  readily  enter  into  my  plans.  But  how  to  do 
this  was  a  puzzler,  for  I  wished  Alice  to  go  voluntarily,  and. 
thus  prevent  suspicion  from  falling  on  me.  In  order  to  bring 
about  this  end,  I  forged  a  story  to  frighten  her— told  her  her 
father  was  deeply  in  debt— that  I  held  a  mortgage  on  all  he 
possessed,  and  had  it  in  my  power  to  ruin  him  at  any  mo- 
ment. I  also  told  her  of  a  crime  Sir  Hugh  had  been  accused 
of  in  early  life,  but  of  which  he  had  been  proven  innocent. 
I  told  her  I  had  obtained  proof  since,  which  must  condemn 

27 


L 


814 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


r 

I'm 


if 


I 


Ill 


him,  and  that  I  BhotiUl  certainly  proclaim  it,  unless  she  con- 
sented to  come  with  me.  She  did  not  doubt  nic  for  a  mo- 
ment— she  believed  all  I  said  ;  and  not  l^noTving  the  object  I 
had  in  view,  siio  consented  to  accompany  me.  I  had  hesi- 
tated Bomewiiat  about  telling  the  lie  ;  otlier  crimes  arc  com- 
mon, but  a  lie  is — is — is  something  a  gentleman  should  not 
stain  his  lips  with.  You  all  know  how  she  accompanied 
me.  X  intended  to  l)ring  her  to  Stanton,  and  secrete  her 
there  until  Arndale  should  be  married,  and  tlion  making  her 
promise  secrecy  as  to  what  had  passed,  under  pain  of  having 
her  father  branded  before  the  world,  biing  her  home.  The 
storm  overtook  us  on  the  moor ;  we  were  obliged  to  seek 
shelter  in  the  old  Manor.  Various  circumstances,  in  which  I 
can  now  plainly  perceive  the  hand  of  Providence,  obliged 
mc  to  leave  her  there.     The  rest  you  know." 

•'  Heaven  be  praised,  dearest  Alice,  that  you  arc  restored  1" 
said  Kate,  as  she  gently  kissed  Alice,  who  was  weeping 
quietly  on  her  shoulder. 

"  Let  mc  go  home.  My  poor  father,  how  he  must  have 
suffered  !"    aid  Alice,  rising. 

•'  Ah  !  that  I  dared  ask  him  to  forgive  me  !"  said  the  earl, 
in  a  tone  of  remorseful  sorrow. 

"  He  will,  my  lord,"  said  Alice,  gently  ;  •'  you  do  not  know 
how  kind,  how  generous,  his  heart  is  !  He  will  forgive  you 
with  joy." 

"  Wretch  that  I  am  !"  groaned  the  carl.  •'  Every  one,  no 
matter  how  deeply  I  have  injured  them,  seems  willing  to  for- 
give me.     Ob  !  that  I  were  woi-tby  of  it  1°' 


~^ 


^■^■MWMflU 


t,  unless  she  con- 

ibt  uic  for  a  mo- 

iwing  tlio  object  I 

mc.     I  had  hcsi- 

ci'imcs  (irc  cora- 

loman  should  uot 

she  accompanied 

,  and  secrete  her 

i  then  making  her 

Icr  pain  of  having 

:  her  home.    Tho 

c  obliged  to  seek 

tanccs,  in  which  I 

ovideuce,  obliged 
ft 

fou  are  restored  1" 
ivho  was  weeping 

how  he  must  have 

3 !"  said  the  earl, 

'  you  do  not  know 
will  forgive  you 

•'  Every  one,  no 
m»  willing  to  for- 


THK  SEcr.ET  fionnow. 


815 


••  Toil  are,  dear  nncle,"  said  Kafe.  "  You  repent  for  what 
has  pnsnod,  and  slmll  wo  not  follow  the  example  of  the  Sa- 
viour of  mankind,  who  has  said  :  '  I  forgive  you— sin  no  more.* 
Think  not  so  meanly  of  yourself.  Believe  me,  my  dear 
lord,  there  are  many  long  days  of  happiness  in  store  for  you 

yet." 

He  shook  his  head  sadly,  but  said  nothing.  Alice  now 
bade  them  adieu  for  a  short  period ;  and,  accompanied  by 
Lord  Arndale,  set  out  for  the  Tines.  The  joy  of  Sir  Hugh 
at  meeting  his  daughter  was  only  equaled  by  his  surprise,  at 
learning  all  the  strange  events  that  had  transpired,  and  tho 
sorrow  and  remorse  of  Iuh  former  enemy. 

•'  I  forgive  him — I  forgive  him  with  all  my  heart,"  ho  ex- 
claimed, wamly.  "The  joy  I  feel  at  again  beholding 
Alice  amply  consoles  me  for  all  I  have  suffered,  and  his 
great  griefs  have  effaced  the  remembrance  of  the  past.  Let 
me  go  to  him  ;  'tis  long  since  1  stood  in  the  old  family  hall 
of  Dirritole,  and  in  the  presence  of  the  dead  all  shall  be  for- 
gotten and  forgiven." 

It  was  a  sad  meeting  of  those  two  old  men,  but  joy  mingled 
with  their  sadness.  The  ready  forgiveness  of  all  around  led 
the  earl's  thoughts  to  hope  for  pardon  from  a  higher  source, 
and  Sir  Hugh  was  happy  in  the  presence  of  bis  daugh- 
ter. 

And  side  by  side,  in  the  family  vault,  those  two  were  laid 
to  sleep  the  sleep  which  knows  no  waking.  A  plain,  black, 
marble  slab,  bearing  only  the  simple  names,  "  Walter- 
Madeline,"  marked  thcu-  last  resting-place.     And  u,>demeath 


L 


Am 


816 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


was  the  promise  of  great  joy  spoken  long,  long  jears  ag>  by 
divine  lips : 

"  Come  untc  me  all  yo  who  labor  and  are  heavy  laden,  and 
I  will  give  you  rest." 


m' 


!■■■■: f.  .■ 


■■  ;nik4 


ong  3  ears  ag  j  by 
heavy  laden,  and 


lA 


:!".  .":: 


auor 


THE  SECBET  SOBBOW. 


817 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


AN  IRISH  UALL. 


"  This  youth  is  in  love,  I  dccl.Te—  • 

How  the  insect  keeps  fluttering  hjl 
I  think  he  so  loves  a  young  fair, 

If  she  were  to  frown,  he  would  die! 
Do  not  the  poor  youtli  any  ill. 

If  he  woos  to  obtain  him  a  wife ; 
As  the  Bible  says,  '  Tho-.i  shall  not  kill,' 

Say  '  yes,'  and  transpoH  him  for  life." — Anon, 

Reader,  are  you  willing  to  leave  Dirritolc  and  its  inmates 
behind,  and  come  with  mc  to  Dublin  to  hunt  up  a  certain 
j'cung  gentleman  whom  we  have  too  long  left  to  his  own 
devices? 

Master  Charley  Sidney  stood  before  a  mirror  in  his  own 
apartment,  putting  the  fluishing  touches  to  a  most  elaborate 
toilet,  in  which  he  looked  most  killiugly  handsome.  Stretched 
on  a  sofa,  smoking  a  cigar,  and  leisurely  watching  the  blue 
smoke  as  it  curled  gracefully  above  his  head,  was  our  some- 
time friend.  Sir  Henry  Dudley.  The  aid-cUj-camp  was  in  full 
evening  costume  likewise,  for,  not  to  keep  you  any  longer  in 
suspense,  dear  reader,  both  were  going  to  a  ball. 

"  I  say,  Charley,"  said  Dudley,  continuing  a  conversation 
which  our  abrupt  entrance  has  interrupted,  "  she  is,  of  all  di- 
vine, adorable,  fascinating,  charming  girls,  the  most  be- 

27» 


gjg  THE  SECRET  SOKROW. 

witching.     Such  eyes,  such  lips,  such  ringlets,  a?jd  such  a 
foot  and  ankle  ;  ye  gods !    I  tell  you,  Sidney,  I  can't  do  her 

justice!" 

"  Oh,  don't  trouble  yourself,"  said  Charley,  "  I've  heard  it 
all  so  often,  I  know  it  by  heart.  I  wish  to  heaven  you'd  tell 
me  her  name— dusc  take  this  cravat !  I  can't  tie  it !— whafs 
her  name,  Dudley?" 

"  Shan't  tell  you,"  said  the  aid-de-camp,  blowing  a  whiff  of 
smoke  in  the  face  of  a  marble  Venus  that  Charley  had  lately 
purchased. 

"Why?" 

"  Because,  firstly— as  Dr.  Longtongue  says— I  have  prom- 
ised not  to  ;  secondly,  you  would  make  fierce  love  to  her  and 

cut  me  out." 

"Honor  bright!"  said  Charley.     "Come,  Dudley,  I  am 

dying  to  hear  it !" 

"  Couldn't,"  said  Harry,  nonchalantly. 

"Well,  keep  it,  then,"  said  Charley.  "I'll  see  her  to- 
night and  get  introduced  to  her  in  spite  of  your  teeth.  She's 
from  England,  you  say?    Who  did  she  come  with?" 

"  Lady  Mary— somebody  ;  I  forgot  who.  If  I  remember 
right,  I  saw  her  ut  Dirritolc,  the  night  of  the  ball,  long  ago— 
the  night  I  fust  met  your  little  Yankee  cousin." 

"Ah,  yes,  Lady  Mary  Stafford.  By  the  way,  Harry,  I 
would  give  a  trifle  to  sec  little  Maggie  uow." 

"  So  would  I,  said  Harry,  with  a  wicked  twinkle  of  his  dark 
eye.  "  Come,  dont be  all  night  fixing  tliat  bow.  Have  pity 
on  the  girls.     No  female  heart  could  withstand  your  exquisite 


.1 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


Sl9 


lets,  and  such  a 
jy,  I  can't  do  her 

;j',  "  I've  heard  it 
hcaveu  you'd  tell 
n't  tie  it ! — what's 

blowing  a  whiff  of 
Charley  had  lately 


lys — I  have  proin- 
cc  love  to  her  and 

mc,  Dudley,  I  am 


"I'll  see  her  to- 
your  teeth.  She's 
mc  with?" 
0.  If  I  remember 
he  ball,  long  ago — 
Lisin." 

the  way,  Harry,  I 
v." 

twinkle  of  his  dark 
at  bow.  Have  pity 
stand  your  exquisite 


ties.     Come,  Charley,  don't  make  yourself  too  fascinating." 

"  I'm  at  your  service,"  said  Charley,  drawing  on  his  gloves 
and  taking  his  hat;  "and  now  tor  your  unknown  lady- 
love." 

"  A. -  and  I'll  bet  you  a  dozen  of  champagne  that  when 
you  SCO  her  you'll  be  in  love  with  her  yourself,"  said  Dudley, 
as  the  two  young  men  walked,  arm-in-arm,  down  the  street. 

"  Hardly,  I  think,'  said  Cliarlcy,  os  his  thoughts  reverted 
to  Dirritole  and  Cousin  Maggie.  "  I'm  love-proof.  By  the 
way,  how  I  wish  Fitzgerald  was  here  to-night.  He  is  a 
splendid  fellow,  and  no  mistake.  He  must  find  it  con- 
foundedly dull  in  England  after  the  pleasures  of  our  gay 
capital.  That's  the  cliief  thing  that  prevents  me  from  being 
a  soldier.  I  couldn't  stand  being  ordered  here  and  there  in 
auch  an  infccling  manner  ;  to  be  toasting  your  shins  in  India 
one  day  and  the  next  ordered  off  to  the  North  Pole  or 
Canada— which,  I  take  it,  means  about  the  same  thing." 

♦ '  Not  exactly , ' '  said  Sir  Harry.  ' '  Canada  isn't  such  a  bad 
place  after  all.  I've  seen  prettier  girls  there  than  I  ever  saw 
anywhere  else  in  my  life.  Not  the  free  and  easy,  dashing 
sort  of  girls  we  have  here  in  Dublin,  nor  yet  the  strong- 
built,  healthy-looking  women  of  England,  but  the  little, 
slender,  blun-cycd,  pale-faced  fairies  that  steal  into  a  fpUow's 
heart  before  he  knows  where  he  is." 

"  Something  like  your  mysterious  beauty  across  the  chan- 
nel," said  Charley,  puffing  vigorously  at  his  cigar. 

u  Yes — no — not  exactly,  You  sec  she's  not  so  very  slen- 
der, just  sufflcieut  emftonpoin*  to  be  charming.    I  hate  your 


i  'h;v 


•  I 


320 


THE  SECRET  SOItROW. 


M: 


m 


shingle  women — all  skin  and  bones.    No  ;  give  mc  something 
substantial. 

"  Something  dutch,  I  suppose?"  suggested  Charley. 

"Yes,  but  here  we  arc.  Now  for  beauty  and  bright 
eyes!" 

Both  gentlemen  dropped  their  cigars,  and  entered  a  rather 
aristocratic-looking  iiuiiision,  brilliantly  lighted,  and  sound- 
mg  with  music  and  laughu  . 

Being  ushered  into  the  drawing-room,  Sir  Harry  separated 
himself  from  his  friend,  and  wen*:  in  scarcli  of  his  lady-love. 
Charley  cast  his  eyes  around ;  but  nowhere  could  he  see  one 
answering  the  description  given  by  Sir  Harry.  Plenty  of 
pretty  girls  there  were  ;  but  none  of  them  strangers  to  him. 

The  dancing  was  already  at  its  height,  and  Charley  soon 
engaged  a  pretty  girl  for  a  quadrille  that  was  forming ;  and, 
in  the  excitement  of  the  dance,  forgot  all  about  iiir  Harry 
and  his  unknown  lady-love.  The  rooms  were  filled  with  offi- 
cers— some  in  splendid  uniforms — and  among  them  Charley 
soon  failed  to  recognize  his  friend. 

He  had  just  led  his  third  partner  to  a  seat,  and  was  in  the 
midst  of  an  animated  flirtation,  when  Sir  Harry  passed  him, 
whispering : 

"  Theyve  come,  Charley.  Look  sharp  now !" 
Charley  gave  him  a  savage  scowl  at  this  interruption,  and 
resumed  his  animated  flirtation  with  the  ladv.  Miss  McMa- 
han  was  the  heiress  of  a  country  squire — just  emancipated 
from  boarding-school — fond  of  novels  and  moonlight,  and 
terribly  r-^mantic.    Captivated  by  the  constant  attentions  of 


mfasg»mm&i'f^'  -  - 


wsmMim 


L 


give  mc  somethiag 

itcd  Charley, 
jcauty   and  bright 

nd  entered  a  rather 
lighted,  and  sound- 
sir  Harry  separated 
cli  of  his  lady-love, 
re  could  he  see  one 

Harry.     Plenty  of 
1  strangers  to  him. 
t,  and  Charley  soon 

vras  forming ;  and, 
ill  about  5iir  Harry 
were  filled  with  offi- 
noug  them  Charley 

seat,  and  was  in  the 
r  Harry  passed  him, 

p  now!" 

his  interruption,  and 
ladv.  Miss  MoMa- 
c — just  emancipated 
and  moonlight,  and 
onstant  attentions  of 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


321 


I 


the  wild  but  handsome  young  student,  she  had  surrendered 
her  virgin  heart  into  his  keeping  at  first  sight. 

"  Upou  my  soul  youre  an  angel !  a  seraph !  I  never  saw 
6uch  a  pair  of  bewitching  eyes  before  in  my  life !" 

"  Ah  !  now  behave  yourself,  Mr.  Sidney. 

«« It's  trutL  ^'m  telling  you !  I  adore  you,  Mary  Anne " 

"  My  name  is  Susan,  if  you  please,  sir !" 

"  So  be  it.  On  my  honor,  Susan,  I  never  saw  any  one  who 
suited  my  fancy  before  in  my  life !" 

"Ah!  now  you're  only  making  fun  of  mc,  Mr.  Sidney! 
There,  don't  be  squeezing  my  hand  that  way !  There's  Sir 
Harry  Dudley  looking  I" 

"Oh,  confound  him  I  I  say,  Susan,  mayn't  I  have  the 
pleasure  of  calling  to  see  you?" 

"  To  be  sure ;  1 11  be  so  glad  to  sec  you !  Ah !  Mr.  Sidney, 
the  pleasure  I  experience  in  the  society  of  such  a  refined 
young  man  as  you  cant  be  described?" 

Hero  the  fair  Susan  sighed,  and  looked  tenderly  at  Char- 
ley. 

"And  I,"  exclaimed  Charley,  in  atragic  tone,  "  Idebarred 
from  the  charms  of  female  society  in  the  walls  of  old  Trinity, 
how  much  more  delight  will  J  find  ia  the  interview.  It  will 
be  so  delightful  a  relaxation,  after  the  profound  study  in 
which  I  pass  my  days.  That's  a  whopper,  anyhow  "  he  mut- 
tered to  himself. 

"Well,  then,  come  to-morrow  evening,"  said  the  fair  Sa- 
san,  with  "another  tender  glance. 

"  "WiUi  all  my  heart.    Ah,  Susan — how  slowly  the  hours 


tui^m 


■Si 


«28 


THE  SEcnET  soiinow. 


Ptr 


will  <li  .g  on  till  then  ;  until  my  cyea  shall  agun  be  bleat  by 
the  sight  of  your  lovely  face  !" 

■  There,  now,  Mr.  Sidney— oh,  don't ;  what  will  people  say? 
There's  somebody  coming  now ;  don'c  bo  putting  your  arm 
around  my  waist." 

Before  Charley  could  gain  a  more  becoming  attitude,  a 
lady  passed,  loaning  on  the  arm  of  Sir  Harry  Dudley.  Ho 
looked  up,  and  sprang  to  his  feet  in  amazement,  as  he  recog- 
nized his  Cousin  Maggie. 

That  young  lady  had,  however,  seen  all ;  and,  evidently 
miwilling  to  disturb  so  tender  a  scene,  with  a  slight  nod  of 
hor  bright  head,  and  ft  careless  "How  dyo  do  Charley?" 
-sho  passed  on.    There  was  a  wielccd  twinkle  in  her  eye  and 
a  peculiar  smile  on  her  lips,  that  showed  how  much  she  en- 
joyed Charley's  amazement  and  confusion. 
.     Leaving  the  fair  Susan  to  console  herself  as  best  sho  might 
for  his  dcpr-rturc,  he  hastened  after  her ;  but  she  had  akeady 
disappeared  in  the  crowd,  and  he  was  about  to  return  disap- 
pointed, when  some  one  tapped  him  on  the  shoulder  with  a 
fan,  and  a  familiar  voice  exclaimed : 
"Monsieur  Charles,  mon  clier  ami!" 
Ec  glanced  around,  and  his  surprise  increased  at  seeing 
standing  before  him  Bess  LOlise,  looking  prettier  and  more 
coquettish  thai,  ever. 

"  Why,  Bess,  can  I  believe  my  eyes?— 2/ow  here?"  exclaimed 

•Charley,  thunder-struck. 

♦ '  To  be  sure.    What  is  there  so  very  wonderful  in  that?" 
said  Bess,  with  a  rougish  smile. 


lall  ag  an  be  bleat  by 

what  will  people  say? 
bo  putting  your  arm 

becoming  attitude,  a 
ir  Hfirry  Dudley.  Ho 
mzemcnt,  a8  he  recog- 

in  all;  and,  evidently 
with  a  slight  nod  of 
)W  dye  do  Charley?" 
ivinkle  in  her  eye  and 
Fcd  how  much  she  en- 
iion. 

srsclf  as  best  she  might 
r ;  but  she  had  already 
about  to  return  disap- 
ou  the  shoulder  with  a 


isc  increased  at  seeing 
king  prettier  and  more 

— you  here?"'  exclaimed 

iry  wonderful  in  that?" 


THE  SECBET  SORROW. 


323 


"  But — why,  you  and  Maggie  arc  the  last  persons  I  ever 
expected  to  see  here,"  said  Mr.  Sidney,  stili  completely  at  a 

loss. 

"  Ah,  then,  you've  seen  Miss  Nelson?    Wlio  was  with  her? 

'«  Sir  Hairy  Dudley,'  said  Charley. 

•'  Ah,  iudced !"  said  Bess,  with  a  meaning  smile. 

"When  did  you  arrive?  What  brouglit  you  here  ?  How 
came  he  to  be  so  intimate  with  my  cousin !"  said  Charley, 
beginning  to  feel  very  uncomfortable. 

"Didn't  he  tell  you?" 

♦' Tell  mc?    No.    He  knew  then?" 

"  To  be  sure  he  did.  I  thought  he  told  you.  Maggie  told 
him  all  the  particulars." 

"  She  did?"  said  Charley,  bitterly ;  "she  seems  to  be  very 
good  friends  with  him  of  late !" 

"  So  ehe  is — very  good  friends,'  and  Bess's  wicked  eyes 
actually  flashed  with  suppressed  mirth. 

"  How  long  have  you  been  Dublin?' 

«'  About  a  fortnight.    "We  came  with  Lady  Mary  Stafford." 

"  And  Sir  Harry  Dudley  has  been  a  constant  visitor  since, 
I  presume  ?" 

"  Ma  foil  yes,  he  is  never  away.  He  is  a  terrible  bore,  / 
think ;  but  Miss  Maggie  seems  to  think  that  there  is  no  one 
like  him  in  the  world." 

A  sudden  pang  shot  through  Charley's  heart  at  the  words. 

"Dear  me!  Mr.  Cliarles,  how  pale  you  look!"  said  the 
wicked  Bc&  .  "  had  you  not  better  step  out  and  tako  the  air  ? ' 

"  ^nd  why  did  you  not  le,t  me  know  you  were  here  ?    Why 


■Qi 


M 


!| 


r 


. . 


J24  THE  SECRET  SOTIROW. 

did  ahc  tell  it  to  a  stranger  instead  of  her  cousin  ?    Why  did 

ehcinakc  him  promise  not  to  tell  me?'  demanded  Chailey, 

impetuously. 

"Ah!  Mr.  Oidncy,  how  can  you  ask  so  many  questions  at 
oucc?'  said  the  unconcerned  little  Parisian.     "Lets  sec: 
'  Why  did  I  not  let  you  know  we  were  here?'    ^  ,il,  because 
Miss  Maggie  said  slie  couldnt  have  you  taggiui;  round  after 
ber  •  that  you  were  a  horrid  bore  ;  and  that  Sir  Ilcnry  Dud- 
ley  was  twice  as  nice.    So,  of  course,  /  couldn't  gainsay  her, 
whatever  I  might  think.    Next :  '  Why  did  she  toll  it  to  a 
stranger  instead  of  her  cousin?'    I  really  cannot  say  posi- 
tively  but  I  think  she  doesn't  consider  him  ^ujYe  a  strangcr- 
at  least,  I  fancy  he  wont  be  long  so  !    Last,  '  Why  did  she 
wake  him  promise  not  to  tell  you?'    Why,  she  said  you 
would  be  sure  to  tease  her  life  out ;  and  tliat  she  was  heartily 
tired  of  you  while  in  England.    So,  there ! ' 

Charleys  lips  were  so  bitterly  compressed,  and  he  looked 
60  pale,  that  even  the  mischievous  Bess  felt  a  little  sorry. 
She  passed  her  arm  through  his,  and  drew  him  mechanically 
•with  her  to  the  conservatory. 

.'You  sec,  Mr.  Charles.'  she  said,  in  a  more  serious  tone, 
"  after  you  left,  and  Miss  Kate,  and  the  carl,  it  was  horrid 
lonesome  at  Dirritole.  Poor  Miss  Maggie  used  to  go  moping 
over  the  house,  as  she  said  herself,  '  like  a  poor  old  tabby- 
cat  with  the  bronchitis;'  and  as  I  was  terribly  lonely,  too, 
after  Miss  Alice  and  Janic,  we  became  friends  in  affliction, 
and  poured  our  mv.tual  troubles  into  each  other's  cars.  W«.  ', 
at  laat,  Lady  Mary  Stafford  took  pity  on  us ;  an^l,  as  she  was 


I 


THE  SECRET  SOnROW. 


325 


cousin  ?    Why  cli(| 
demancled  Cbailey, 

)  many  questions  at 
isian.     "Lets  sec: 
!ic?'    V  oil,  because 
tagging  rooud  after 
that  Sir  Ilcnry  Dud- 
iouldn't  gainsay  her, 
did  she  tell  it  to  a 
[illy  cannot  say  posi- 
im  qidte  a  stranger — 
Last,  '  Why  did  sho 
Why,  she  said  you 
that  she  was  heartily 
:e ! '  " 

(jsscd,  and  he  looked 
IS  felt  a  little  sorry. 
ew  him  mechanically 

I  a  more  serious  tone, 
he  carl,  it  was  horrid 
rie  used  to  go  moping 
ike  a  poor  old  tabby- 
s  terribly  lonely,  too, 
friends  in  afflictio*^., 
ch  other's  cars.  W..  '., 
>n  us ;  and,  as  sho  was 


coming  to  visit  a  friend  in  Dublin,  she  urged  Maggie  to  como 
with  her.  Miss  Nelson  was  delighted  .at  the  prospect ;  but  as 
wc  had  become  very  much  attached  to  each  otlicr,  she  would 
not  go  without  me.  You  sec,  Mr.  Cliarlcs,  there  ia  nothing 
like  aftliction  to  make  people  bosonj  friends.  So  Lady  Mary 
kindly  coaxed  me  to  come,  too  ;  and  so  wc  arrived  here  ;  and 
Sir  Harry  made  himself  our  knig'  id — that'a  all." 

"  And  enough,  too,  to  blight  an  iht  liopos  of  my  life-time," 
said  Charley,  bitterly.  "Heartless  coquette!  she  knew  I 
loved  her  ;  and  yet  she  could  laugh  at  me  with  her  new  lover. 
And  he— I  would  have  staked  my  life  on  his  honor  and  fricud- 
Bliii^— friendship !  oh,  yes!  he  ia  a  most  honorable  friend;" 
and  he  laughed  bitterly. 

"  Poor,  dear,  drooping  Susan  !  have  you  left  her  to  wear 
the  willow?"  said  the  voice  of  Maggie,  in  a  tone  of  mock 
sympathy,  as  she  flitted  past  them,  and  left  the  conservatory 
by  an  opposite  door. 

He  made  a  step  after  her  as  though  he  would  fellow  ml 
plead  his  cause,  but  pride  restrained  him. 

"  No  ;  let  her  go— she  would  not  believe  me,  he  multcred  ; 
"  let  her  go,  and  laugh  with  her  lover  over  the  tauut.  I  am 
no  whining  sycophant  to  fawn  for  her  favor  1" 
He  leaned  his  head  on  his  hand,  and  gazed  steadily  out. 
•'  After  all, '  said  Bess,  who  really  felt  sorry  for  the  wound 
she  saw  had  been  inflicted,  "  things  mtiy  not  be  as  bad  as 
they  look.  Before  morning  dawns,  you  know  night  is  ever 
darkest.  Who  knows,  even  though  all  looks  dark  now,  but 
morning  may  dawn  yet?" 

2A 


X 


3sa!n»**<p*«|||P 


820 


THE  SECUET  sonnow. 


•'  Not  for  mc,"  said  Charley,  coldly.  "  I  sbal'  never  plead 
for  her  favor ;  1  leave  that  foi  Sir  Harry  Dudley— my  very 
dear  fricud,"  aud  he  amiled  BCornfuUy.  "  I  tliauk  you,  Beaa, 
for  yo\ir  candor,  rnst  assured,  and  Bhall  never  give  Misa  Nel- 
son leason  to  toniplain  of  being  Lored  by  mo  again.  Good- 
night," be  bowed,  and  was  pono  before  lies.i  could  recover 
from  her  ourijriac,  oumeienlly  to  detain  him. 

"llcighol"  o.aid  IJess,  looking  after  huu,  with  Gomcthiug 
between  a  smile  and  a  sigh  ;  "  poor  fellow  !  it  a  a  pity,  too. 
"What  will  jM.iggie  say  when  I  tell  her?  Ilea  a  handsome  fel- 
low, too  ;  what  splendid  eyes  he  has?  I  wonder  if  he  will  ace 
her  before  she  goes !  Heaven !  he's  deeper  in  love  than  I 
thought.  "What  fools  it  makes  of  the  best  of  us  ! "  And  with 
this  wise  conclusion,  to  which  graver  heads  than  hers  had 
often  come  before,  and  will  come  to  again  to  the  end  of  the 
chapter,  Bess  quitted  the  conservatory. 

"When  Charley  left  her,  he  strolled  rapidly  through  the 
rooms  for  a  few  moments,  in  the  hope  of  meeting  the 
hostess,  to  pay  his  respects  before  leaving.  As  he  was  pass- 
ing through  the  drawing-room,  his  eye  fell  on  a  couple,  sit- 
ting witlun  the  shadow  of  a  deep  bay-window.  lie  needed  no 
Dccond  glance  to  tell  him  who  they  were.  Sir  Henry  was  in 
the  act  of  raising  her  hand  to  his  lips.  The  sight  seemed  to 
send  a  sudden  pang  to  his  heart,  yet  he  was  too  proud  to 
let  it  bo  seen.     AVith  a  scornful  smile  ou  his  lip,  he  passed 

on. 

Maggie  suddenly  looked  np,  aud  meeting  his  eyes,  colored 
to  the'templca.     He  bowed  coldly,  and,  with  Uie  same  con- 


i 


I  sbal'  never  plead 
r  DiuUcy— my  very 
I  lliauk  you,  Bess, 
ever  give  Misa  Ncl- 
'  1110  aguiu.  Good- 
Bcs.i  could  recover 
im. 

Lm,  with  ootnctluug 
ow  !  it  s  a  pity,  too. 
lea  a  haudsoinc f el- 
loudcr  if  he  will  sec 
jpcr  in  love  thau  I 
it  of  U3!"  And  with 
iiad3  than  hers  had 
in  to  the  cad  of  the 

rapidly  through  the 
ope  of  meeting  the 
.g.  As  he  waa  pass- 
fell  on  a  couple,  sit- 
adow.  lie  needed  no 
!.  Sir  Henry  was  in 
The  sight  seemed  to 
ho  was  too  proud  to 
)u  his  lip,  he  passed 

ting  his  eyes,  colored 
,  M'ith  the  some  con* 


TTTE  SECnFT  RonnOTv. 


8S7 


tcirptuoufl  smile,  passed  t'.icm,  and  went  out.  Half  an  hour 
after,  he  sat  in  his  own  apartmcntn,  while  his  nervant  waa 
busily  cnrraged  in  packing  his  luggage  for  immediate  depart- 


ure for  England. 


i 


'.^mainvm^tt 


828 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


it  '"i 

h  I " 


i  I 


M' 


;:!■ 


CHiVITEU  XXVII. 

HOME   AGAIN. 

"  Clouds  tnrn  wiili  every  wind  nbont| 
They  keep  us  in  suspense  and  doubt  J 
Yet  oft  perverse,  like  womnnkind, 
Arc  seen  to  scud  iigainst  tlic  wind, 
Ii  not  this  ludy  just  the  same? 
For  who  cnn  tell  what  it  her  aim."— 5iW/». 

"  LEirnEns  for  you,  Misthor  Clmrlcy,"  said  the  valet-dt- 
chamhrc  of  Mr.  Sidney,  entering  his  room,  a  few  mlnutci 
after  his  return,  with  a  package  in  liis  hand. 

Charley  took  them.  There  were  only  two,  one  from  Kato 
and  the  other  from  Fitzgerald,  who,  a  short  time  before,  had 
been  ordered  to  England.  Leaving,  in  true  brotherly  fash- 
ion, Kate's  for  the  last,  he  opened  the  dragoon's,  and  read: 

"  Dkau  CnAn.  r.T  :-If  you  look  nt  the  date  of  this  letter  (which  I 
iuppose  you  won  t,  unless  you  are  told  beforehand,)  you  wdl  sec  I  am 
at  present,  domesticated  .".t  Dirritole.  Faith,  Charley !  it  .s  a  perfect 
paradise  of  a  place.  How  you  ever  came  to  leave  it  is  I  mus  con  ess 
Lcyond  me  entirely.  To  be  sure,  there  is  not  much  fun  but  thcro  1. 
capital  <=l.ootins.  and  I  keep  the  table  pretty  well  supplied  Thcro  is  a 
game  of  another  kind,  too-a  most  charming  maiden  lady;  somewhat 
Liquated,  I  must  confess,  but  all  the  wiser  for  that.  Ilor  name  is 
Miss  Dickett.  I  suppose  you  know  her.  She  knows  you,  however; 
and  Heaven  help  you  if  all  the  stories  she  tells  about  you  be  true ! 
You  must  have  an  uneasy  conscience  of  your  own.  I  '"^'J/  J5<=«° 
lorg  to  hor  from  tho  first  moment  of  my  arrival;  and  •!«.  foldshor 


i!'        . 


>w. 


THE  SECnrT  soTinow. 


829 


about  I 
id  doubt  ( 
nkind, 
wind, 
c? 
aim." — Swift. 

>y,"  BaUl  the  va?rt-d» 
room,  a  few  minute* 
liaml. 

y  two,  one  from  Kato 
short  time  before,  had 
n  true  brotherly  fash- 
dragoon's,  and  read : 

to  of  this  letter  (which  I 
ohftiul,)  you  will  SCO  I  am 
,  Charley !  it  is  a  perfect 
leave  it  is,  I  must  confess, 
)t  much  fun,  but  there  is 
rt-ell  supplied.  There  is  a 
g  maiden  lady ;  somewhat 
;r  for  that.  Ilcr  name  is 
She  knows  2/OH,  however; 
e  tells  about  you  be  truo ! 
rom  own.  I  made  ficrco 
arrival ;  and  iho  folds  hor 


arms  and  solrmnly  assures  me  that  '  Hit's  all  very  Ane— so  hit  is ;'  but, 
confitunil  it,  I  don't  Kcrm  to  make  the  le.i«t  iitipreonion  on  her  heart. 
She  is  not  half  so  easily  courted  as  Miss  IV^tty  O'Flaiicrty— a  lady  I 
knew  once.     Eh!C!miley? 

"  I  suppose,  now,  you  are  puzzling  your  brains  to  And  outwhat  drove 
nic  to  Dirritolc.  Well,  you  see.  I  met  Lonl  Arudale  (capital  fellow  he 
is,  too)  shortly  after  my  arrival;  and,  as  he  and  I  were  fast  friends 
'  once  upon  a  time,'  at  Kton,  lie  told  me  a  mehinelioly  story  al)ont 
his  lady-love  belnp;  earrieil  off  to  some  unknown  rcRion  by  a  '  person 
or  persons  unknown,'  as  the  coroner  says,  when  he  brinKs  in  a  verdict 
of  murder.  Shortly  after  that  I  lost  »'\yt.\\l  of  him  for  a  while ;  but  the 
other  day  lie  wrote  me  a  letter,  saying'  all  was  as  rijilit  as  a  trivit  aj^ain— 
that  Miss  Desmond  (w)io,  by  the  way,  is  dused  pretty,)  had  turned  up 
•gain,  and  beggins  mc  to  come  imnjediately  to  Dirritolc.  Of  course  I 
complied;  and  here  I  am,  '  I  came,  I  saw,  I  eomiuered."  No,  I  didn't 
conquer,  either — Miss  Di.kett  holds  out  still, 

"I  think,  Chnrlr , ,  Arndale  has  some  notion  of  pfctting  married  soon, 
and  wants  mo  to  k.  p  him  in  countenance,  It  is  an  awful  thing  to  do, 
Charley— to  be  lauiRJied  into  matrimony  without  even  a  friend  to  drop 
a  tear  of  pity  !  But,  alas  !  my  feelings  will  not  allow  me  to  dwell  on 
this  melancholy  theme,  or  I  might  make  many  touching  rcllcctions  upon 
it,  which  might  be  of  service  to  you  in  the  future. 

"The  earl  is  rather  a  serious  old  gentleman;  but  that  is  occasioned 
by  the  recent  loss  of  his  wife.  What  a  lovely  creature  she  must  have 
been !     I  have  seen  her  portrait. 

"  I  cannot  think  of  anything  else  just  now  to  say,  except  that  Miss 
Dickett  has  begged  me,  witli  tears  in  her  eyes  (caused  by  recently  peel- 
ing onions),  to  warn  you  against  associating  with  thcr.i  '  Iliris'..,  which 
is  too  wulgar  to  be  looked  at.'  I  use  iicr  own  touching  words ;  let  them 
make  a  due  impression  upon  you. 

"  Give  my  love  to  Peggy  O'Flaherty  and  her  brother  Mickey,  and 
write  soon  to  Yours,  etc., 

"MaUBIc'e  FlTZGEUALD." 


"By  the  way,  Charley,  what  a  spicy  little  piece  of  womanhood  that 
sister  of  yours  is.     Slie  cross-questioned  me  as  closely  as  a  Sessions 
Heaven  forgive  mc  for  all  the  lies  I  had  to  tell  !;cr. 

M.  F." 


lawyer  about  yon. 
Well,  nabockliah. 


28» 


830 


THE  SECRET  SOUKOTT. 


"  Talk  of  the  pith  of  a  woman's  letter  being  in  the  post- 
script," muttered  Charley,  "  tho  first  sentence  in  his  explains 
the  stcret  attraction  of  Dinitolc.     Now  then  for  Kate's," 

He  tore  it  open,  and  read : 

"  My  Dear  Bkotiieu  :— I  have  been  so  busy,  and  passed  through  so 
many  troubles  of  hite,  that  I  could  not  find  time  to  write  lo  you.  I  sup- 
pose you  have  heard  the  countess  is  dead,  poor  Aunt  Madeline !  h^r 
■tory  was  a  sad  one ;  but  she  has  found  rest  at  last. 

"  '  After  a  storm  thcie  cometh  a  calm,'  as  they  say,  and  so  it  is  with 
us.  After  all  our  troubles,  we  have  settled  down  at  Dirritole,  in  peace, 
once  more.  The  earl  bears  the  loss  of  his  wife  better  than  I  thought 
he  would ;  he  is  growing  quite  resigned,  and  has  changed  so,  you  would 
hardly  know  him. 

'  I  suppose  yr;i  have  seen  Maggie  kelson  in  Dublin,  Poor  wild 
Maggie!  Dirritole  was  a  lonoly  place  for  her.  She's  a  dear,  good- 
liearted  little  creature,  after  all.  I  hope  some  day  to  bear  a  nearer  re- 
lationship to  her  than  that  of  cousin,    Shall  I  not,  dear  Charley?" 

Charley's  face  ilushed  hotly,  and  then  grew  pale,  as  he 
again  resumed  the  letter. 

"  There  is  a  light  dragoon,  a  dashing,  handsome  young  man,  staying 
here  now.  I  must  confess  Tirritole  would  be  intolerably  dull,  were  it 
not  for  him ;  he  is  a  most  amusing  person.  He  seems  to  know  you 
very  well,  and  speaks  highly  of  the  diligence  with  which  you  pursue 
youi  studies.  I  am  delighted  io  hear  it,  for  I  confess  I  had  my 
doubts.' 

'  •  Can  you  not  obtain  leave  and  come  home  for  a  few  weeks,  at  least, 
ui  til  after  Harry  is  m.irricd.  Do  try,  Charley,  and  believe  me,  none 
wi.l  be  happier  to  see  you  again  than  your  affectionate  sister, 

"Kate." 

Charley  threw  down  the  letter,  and  began  pacing  the  floor 
rapidly,  up  and  down.  Kate's  request  would  furnish  him 
with  an  excuse  for  returning  to  Dirritole,  and  the  real  cause 
would  never  be  suspected.    Sitting  down,  he  hastily  mdited 


'Tawf«"-ywwww'T-^ 


•  being  in  the  post- 
tence  in  bis  explains 
then  for  Kate's," 


■,  and  passed  through  so 
to  write  to  you.     I  8up- 
oor  Aunt  Madeline !  her 
last. 

ey  say,  and  so  it  is  with 
in  at  Dirritole, in  poaec, 
fo  better  than  I  thought 
IS  changed  so,  you  would 

.  in  Dublin,  Poor  wild 
jr.  She's  a  dear,  good- 
day  to  bear  a  nearer  rc- 
not,  doar  Charley?" 

leu  grew  pale,  as  he 


ome  young  man,  staying 
•  intolerably  dull,  were  it 
He  seems  to  know  you 
;  with  which  you  pursue 
"or  I  confess  I  had  my 

for  a  few  weeks,  at  least, 
'y,  and  believe  me,  none 
'ctionate  sister, 

"Kate." 

jcgan  pacing  the  floor 
3t  would  furnish  him 
le,  and  the  real  cause 
iwn,  he  hastily  indited 


THE  SECRET  S0RR6W. 


831 


a  note  to  the  heads  of  the  college,  say'ug,  he  was  obliged  to 
return  immediately  to  England- 
Morning  found  him  on  the  deck  of  a  steamer,  leaving 
the  grccu  shores  of  Erin  far  behind.    His  face  was  pale,  and 
the  dark  circles  under  his  eyes  betokened  a  sleepless  night. 

Kates  words  were  gall  and  wormwood  to  his  wounded 
heart.  Once  he,  too,  had  hoped  to  call  Maggie  by  a  dearer 
name  than  that  of  cousin,  but  that  hope  was  gone  now.  How 
should  he  ivicet  the  many  questions  oo?acerning  her,  which 
Kate  would  be  sure  to  ask  him,  when  the  very  mention  of 
her  name  nearly  drove  him  wild  ?  He  paced  up  and  down 
the  deck,  with  rapid,  nervous  strides,  while  the  other  passen- 
gers gazed  on  him,  wondering  to  one  another,  if  that  pale, 
wild-looking  young  man,  hadn  t  broken  loose  from  some  jail 
or  lunatic  asylum.  And,  indeed,  his  excited  manner  gave 
BufBcient  grounds  for  such  a  conclusion. 


I! 

4 


■nm«l!JBjW»^1'W»*»"' 


889 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


CHAPTER  XXVm. 
"last    scene    of    all." 

"  Come,  let  u«  now  resolve  at  lut, 

To  live  and  love  in  quiet; 
We'll  tie  the  knot  so  very  fast, 

That  time  shall  ne'er  untie  it. 

When  least  I  seemed  concerned,  I  took 

N;)  pleasure,  nor  no  rest; 
And  when  I  f  .igncd  un  angry  look, 

Alas !  I  loved  you  best." — BuckingTiamthire, 

Charley's  welcome  to  Dirritolc  was  a  warm  oue,  but  all 
saw  that  something  lay  heavily  on  his  spirits.  The  happy, 
joyous  look  that  had  once  been  his,  was  gone,  and  in  its 
place  a  deep-settled  melancholy  took,  possession  of  his  mind. 
He  would  sit  for  hours  gazing  idly  on  vacancy  ;  then,  as  if 
something  within  made  him  resolve  to  shake  off  the  lethargy 
that  lay  on  him,  he  would  become  suddenly  gay,  and  go  off 
with  Fitzgerald  and  Lord  Arndalc,the  happiest  of  the  happy, 
apparently.  But  it  was  easily  seen  his  mirtli  was  forced, 
there  was  a  hollow  echo  in  his  gayest  laugh,  a  care-worn  look 
on  his  once  gay,  careless  young  face,  that  betrayed  the  can- 
ker-worm at  the  core  of  all.  Poor  Charley !  do  what  ho 
would,  Maggie  still  held  undisputed  sway  in  his  heart. 

To  most  of  the  Tamily  he  became  a  puzzle.  Fitzgerald 
and  Ai-ndolo  recommended  a  change  of  diet,  saying  tb«y 


low. 


n. 

ALL." 

tlMt, 

t, 

it. 

icd,  I  took 

look, 
Buckinghamthire, 

s  0.  warm  ouc,  but  all 
!  spirits.    TIic  happy, 
,  was  gone,  and  in  ?t8 
)osscssiou  of  his  mind. 
3  vacancy ;  then,  as  if 
shako  off  the  lethargy 
Idenly  gay,  and  go  off 
happiest  of  the  happy, 
his  mii'tli  was  forced, 
angli,  a  care-worn  look 
that  betrayed  the  can- 
Charley  !  do  what  bo 
ray  in  his  heart, 
a  puzzle.    Fitzgerald 
:  of  diet,  saying  tbsy 


THE  SECKET  SORROW. 


833 


thought  be  showed  symptoms  of  apoplexy  ;  sometimes,  when 
h3  became  unusually  moody,  going  so  far  as  to  advise  a  strait- 
ja-ket.  Miss  Dickett  asserted  that  she  "  allers  knowcd  it 
would  happen,  living  among  tbemwulger  Hirish,  and  the  carl 
looking  pityingly  upon  him,  saying : 

"  Poor  fellow !  be  has  studied  so  bard  of  late,  bo  is  losing 

health  !•  • 

Kate,  with  the  true  instinct  of  womanhood,  guessed  the 
tnUh.  Several  times  she  ventured  to  approach  the  subject, 
but  on  these  occasions  Charley  invariably  answered  with  im- 
patient petulance,  very  unlike  his  former  easy  good-nature. 
And  if  she  persisted  in  probing  the  wound,  be  invariably  got 
up  and  walked  out  of  the  room. 

At  last  Kate  resolved  to  write  to  Maggie  for  an  explanation. 
An  answer  soon  came-a  very  long  epistle  it  was  too.   What 
it  contained  nobody  could  tell,  but  it  must  have  been  satis- 
factory, for  a  smile  broke  over  Kates  face  as  she  uttered  a 
..  very  prolonged  "  oh !"  and  exclaimed  when  she  fmisbed  it: 
"This  explains  all.    What  a  little  torment  Maggie  is! 

Poor  Charley !" 

Her  tone  was  sympathetic,  but  the  laugh  which  accompa- 
nied it  did  not  seem  to  say  he  was  much  to  be  pitied.  Had 
Charley  known  she  was  laughing  at  him  be  would  undoubtedly 
have  been  veiy  indignant. 

It  was  a  balmy,  pleasant  afternoon.  The  windows  of  the 
old  Mansion  at  Dirritolc  were  wide  open  to  allow  ingress  to 
Ibc  light  breeze.  Lord  Arndalc  and  Fitzgerald  were  off  ia 
Ujq  TToods  with  their  dogs  and  guns.    Tbc  carl  sat  dozing  iu 


jL. 


Ti";, 


S84 


■  THE  SECRET  SOEROW. 


his  arm-chair,  for  the  trials  of  the  past  month'*  had  rendered 
him  a  feeble  old  man.  Little  Magdalen  lay  under  the  shade 
of  an  old  oak  in  the  park,  with  her  arras  around  the  neck  of 
Prince,  her  favorite  water-spaniel,  giizing  dreamily  np  at  the 
patches  of  blue  sky  w^Mch  she  could  sec  tlirough  the  leaves. 
Miss  Dickett  was  marching  in  stately  dignity  through  the 
house,  brush  in  hand,  pursuing  with  unrelenting  vengeance 
every  cobweb  and  speck  of  dust,  and  dusting  and  brushing  with 
the  grim  determination  of  learning  all  spiders  and  other 
*'  noxshis  inscx"  that  she  was  not  to  be  trifled  with. 

Suddenly  a  carriage  drove  up  the  long  avenue  in  front,  and 
ft  young  lady  closely  vailed  entered.  She  ran  lightly  up  the 
steps,  entered  the  parlor,  and  was  clasped  in  the  arms  of 
Kate.  Throwing  back  her  vail,  the  new-comer  disclosed  tho 
pretty  features  of  Maggie  Nelson. 

•'Have  you  told  him,  Kate?"  said  Maggie,  as  she  threw 
off  her  bonnet  and  shawl. 

"  Not  a  word,"  said  Kate,  smiling.    "I  left  that  for  you." 

"  Where  is  he  now?"  inquired  Maggie. 

"  Up-stairs  in  the  library." 

"Without  waiting  to  hear  more,  Maggie  darted  off  and  ran 
upstairs.  She  softly  opened  the  library  door,  and  then 
stood,  hesitatingly,  whether  to  advance  or  retreat. 

Charley  lay  on  liis.face  on  a  lounge  at  the  farther  end  of 
the  room.  For  a  mcmont  she  stood  still,  then  went  coftly 
over  on  tiptoe  and  stood  beside  him.  A  little  hand  was  laid 
lightly  on  his  shoulder,  and  a  half  sob  fell  on  his  car. 

He  looked  up.  - 


w. 

month'*  had  rendered 

I  lay  under  the  shade 
IS  around  the  neck  of 
ng  dreamily  np  at  the 
c  through  the  leaves. 

dignity  through  the 
inrclenting  vengeance 
;ing  and  brushing  irith 

II  Rpiders  and  other 
trifled  with. 

;  avenue  in  front,  and 
he  ran  lightly  up  the 
ped  in  the  arms  of 
r-comer  disclosed  tho 

laggie,  as  she  threw 

"I  left  that  for  you." 
e. 

ic  darted  off  and  ran 
rary  door,  and  then 
or  retreat. 

:it  the  farther  end  of 
itill,  then  went  coftly 
L  little  hand  was  laid 
ell  on  his  car. 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


88Q 


"  Maggie !"  he  exclaimed. 

i'Yes.  Oh!  dear  Charley,  do  forgive  me,"  sobbed  poor 
Maggie,  clasping  her  arm  around  his  neck. 

He  grew  very  pale  ;  and  Maggie  could  feci  his  heart  beat- 
ing  wildly  against  her  side;  but  ho  resolutely  put  up  his 
bands,  aud  strove  to  unclasp  her  encircling  arms. 

"  Oh,  Charley,  don't,  dont  send  roe  away  ;  I'll  never  do  it 
again,  "pon  my  word  I  wont !"  sobbed  Maggie,  still  clinging 

to  him. 

"I  cannot,  Maggie,  I  cannot r  he  exclaimed,  bitterly; 
"why  have  you  come  again  to  drive  me  wild?  Go, leave  mo 
—what  would  Sir  Harry  Dudley  say? ' 

♦' I  dont  care  one  pin  for  him,  indeed  I  don't,  he's  only  a 
hateful,  empty-headed,  brainless  dandy,  and  I  hate  him !"  said 

Maggie,  still  sobbing.  . 

•'And  7  suppose  you  have  often  spoken  of  me  like  this, 
when  clinging  to  his  neck !"  exclaimed  Charley  scornfully. 

.'No,  never;  and  I  dont  cling  to  his  neck  cither! 'said 
Maggie,  a  little  indignantly.  "I  aint  in  the  habit  of  cm- 
bracing  other  peoples  husbands T 

u Husbands?'  repeated  Charley;    "who    said  anything 

about  husbands?" 

•«  You  did !"  said  Maggie,  "  you  said  I  clung  to  their  necks, 
and  I  dont  thank  you  for  it,  cither.  The  next  time  I  cling 
to  yours,  you  will  tell  me  of  it,  I  guess-so  there !'  and  Mag. 
gie  folded  her  arms  properly,  and  drew  herself  up  with  dig- 

nity.  ., 

"But,  Maggie,  I  dont  understand;  how  caa  you  caU 


p- 


836 


THE  SECTIET  SORROW. 


Dudley  a  husband?"  said  Charley,  lookiug  completely  mys- 

"  Because  he's  married,  and  men  are  generally  called  hua- 
bands  when  they're  married, '  said  Maggie. 

'.  Why-how-what-Sir  Harry  Dudley  married?"  ex- 
claimed Charley ;  «' for Ilcavcna  sake  to  whom ?" 

"  To  Bess  L'Olise  !"  said  Maggie. 

-  TF7io-a.-a-a-«/"  exclaimed  Charley,  prolonging  the  word 
iDfinitelyin  his  amazement;  "you  arc  surely  joking,  Mag. 
gie?"  * 

•*  Ira  not.     Read  that  if  you  wont  believe  me,"  and  Mag. 
gie  drew  a  newspaper  from  her  pocket,  and  handed  it  to  him. 
Charley  took  the  paper,  and  read  : 

'•  MAitnixcB  IX  H.cii  LiKE.-By  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moon.y.  Sir  Henry 
Dudley,  lato  ,f  Hi,  M.gc.ty.  Dragoon,,  to  Mi„  Bc«  L'Jlist »     ^ 

"  Then  you  will  not  marry  him.  Hurrah !  Im  the  happiest 
fellow  in  England." 

And  in  the  excitement  of  hisuew-found  joy,  Charley  caught 
Maggie  m  his  arms,  and  went  whirling  her  round  the  room  in 
a  sort  of  hysterical  waltz. 

"Good  gracious!"  ejaculated  Maggie,  completely  out  of 
breath,  for  not  expecting  this  sudden  assault,  she  was  taken 
altogether  by  surprise.  "Good  gracious,  Charley  Sidney, 
arc  you  crazy?  Oh,  sir,  do  stop,  you're  mussing  my  coUar 
drcadfuUy.  Oh-oh-oh-oh!"  and  panting  and  brcatlUess. 
Charley  whuled  her  to  the  sofa,  and  took  a  scat  beside  her. 
"■Well»  now,  if  thati  not  jwtty  conduct!    Ain't  yoa 


Qg  completely  mys- 

jcncrally  called  liua- 

c. 

llcy  married?"  ex- 

whom?" 

rolonging  the  word 
mrely  joking,  Mag. 

:vo»ne,"  and  Mag- 
d  handed  it  to  him. 


•  Mooncj,  Sir  Henry 
Bess  L'Olise." 

!  I'm  the  happiest 

>y,  Charley  caught 
round  the  room  in 


completely  out  of 
lit,  she  was  taken 

Charley  Sidney, 
usslng  my  collar 

and  brcatlilcss, 
scat  beside  her. 
luct!    Ain't  you 


TBU  SECRET  SORnOW. 


837 


ashamed  of  yourself ,  Charley  Sidney?"  exclaimed  Maggie, 
indignantly,  as  soon  as  she  recovered  breath  to  speak.  I  de- 
clare III  never  speak  to  you  again,  for  your  impertinence !" 

•'  Oh,  now,  Maggie,"  said  Charley,  in  a  pei.itcnt  tone,  put- 
ting his  arm  around  her  waist,  "you  wouldn't  be  so  cruel  I 
What  did  Bess  L'Olise,  or  Lady  Dudley,  I  suppose  I  should 
Bay,  mean  by  all  that  story  about  you  and  Sir  Harry?  And 
ho,  1  saw  him  kiss  your  hand  that  night  of  the  ball.  Come, 
explain,  Maggie,  Ira  awfully  in  the  dark." 

"  And  awfully  jealous,  eh,  Charley !"  said  Maggie,  laugh- 
ing. 

"  Oh,  no,  not  now,  but  Im  dying  to  hear.  Go  en,  Mag- 
gie. 

Well,  you  know,"  said  Maggie,  "  first  '  only  wanted  to 
tease  you  a  little,  so  I  told  Dudley  not  to  tell  you  wo  were  in 
Dublin.  It  wasn't  because  I  cared  a  straw  for  him — no,  in- 
deed, I  didn't  like  him  a  bit  better  than  the  night  I  met  him 
here  first." 

"  But  he  went  to  see  you  every  day,"  interposed  Charley. 

"  La,  no,  he  didn't  come  to  sec  me  !"  said  Maggie  ;  "  it 
was  to  see  Bess  ;  he  fell  in  love  with  her  and  she  with  him  at 
first  sight.    It  was  awful  sudden — just  like  the  small-pox." 

Charley  laughed  at  the  odd  comparison  and  Maggie  went 

on: 

"The  night  of  the  ball  I  intended  being  quite  sociable 
with  you,  but  when  I  saw  how  you  devoted  yourself  to  that 
girl  I  just  got  mad,  and  I  told  Bess  and  Sir  Harry  I'd  pay  you 
off  for  it.  So  I  got  Bess  to  tell  you  all  that  story,  and  sec  how 

29 


858 


TiTE  SKCRET  SOUnOTT. 


you  would  take  it.     You  sec  I  thought  you  didn't,  care  any- 
thing for  mc,  or  you  would  not  have  paid  so  much  attention 
to  that  other,  but  I  wanted  to  be  sure.     Well,  she  told  you, 
and  when  you  left  her  in  the  conservatory  she  came  and  told 
us ;  and  when   I  heard  how  much  you  were  grieved,  I  felt 
half  sorry.     Just  then  Sir  Ilarr^-  saw  you  coming,  and,  wish- 
ing to  carry  on  the  deception  Bess  had  begun,  he  lifted  my 
hand  to  his  lips.     I  couldn't  help  blushing  when  you  saw  mc, 
you  looked  so  scorn  ful-Ymore  like  an  insulted  prince  than  an 
cTery-day  Christian.    Then  the  next  day  I  sent  a  note  with 
Sir  Harry  to  your  rooms,  explaining  all  and  begging  your 
forgiveness,  but  he  camo  back  with  it  and  told  me  you  were 
gone.     I  am  not  going  to  tell  yon  how  I  felt  then,  because  it 
would  make  you  too  vain— anyway,  I  didn't  feel  a  bit  com- 
fortable, and  I  felt  mad  at  you,  too,  for  going  off  in  such  a 
hw-ry  without  giving  a  body  time  to  explain.  '  I  didn't  vei7 
well  know  what  to  do  for  a  while,  until  Kate  wrote  to  me, 
saying  you  were  moping  around  Dirritolc  like  an  old  hen 
that  had  lost  her  last  chicken,  and  begging  me  to  come  right 
heme.     So  I  only  v.aitcd  long  enough  to  be  brides-maid  for 
Boss,  and  then  I  came  straight  back.    And  now  I  hope 
you're  satisfied,  and  I  must  request  of  you  to  go  right  down 
on  your  knees  and  beg  my  pardon  for  that  impudent  cpcech 
about  my  clinging  to  Sir  Harry  Dudley's  neck.     It  was  real 
mean  of  you — so  there  !" 

Hon  Charley  made  up  friends  with  her  wo  arc  not  prepared 
to  say.  All  we  know  is,  that  he  did  make  up  friends  with 
her  i  and  soon  after,  much  to  the  surprise  of  ..everybody  os- 


THE  SECRET  SORROW. 


839 


I  didn't,  cure  any- 
80  much  attention 
/"ell,  she  told  you, 
slic  came  and  told 
lie  grieved,  I  felt 
■oniing,  and,  wisli- 
L'gun,  lie  lifted  my 
when  you  saw  me, 
ted  prince  than  an 

I  sent  a  note  with 
and  begging  your 

told  me  you  wcro 
;lt  then,  because  it 
n't  feel  a  bit  com- 
;oing  off  in  such  a 
lin.  ■  I  didn't  very 
ivatc  wrote  to  me, 
[c  like  an  old  hen 
;  me  to  come  right 
be  bridc9-maid  for 

And  now  I  hope 

II  to  go  right  down 
,t  impudent  cpecch 

neck.     It  was  real 

vo  arc  not  prepared 
ke  up  friendawith 
ic  of  ..everybody  ex- 


cept Kate,  concluded  he  wouldn't  go  back  to  Dublin  any 
more,  but  would  follow  the  Scriptural  injunction,  and  ta!ro 
unto  himself  a  wife,  on  the  same  day  which  made  Lord  Am- 
dalc  the  husband  of  Alice  Desmond. 

There  was  still  another  surprise  awaiting  the  happy  house- 
hold, when  Fitzgerald  one  morning  stood  before  the  earl, 
and,  in  a  frank,  manly  speech,  requested  the  hand  of  Kate. 
The  earl  was  astonished,  but  said  he  had  no  objection,  pro- 
vided that  young  lady  herself  was  satisfied. 

Kate's  answer  must  have  been  satisfantory,  though  she 
on?y  blushed,  and  said  something  in  a  very  low  tone  of  voice ; 
whereupon  Fitzgerald  and  Kate  very  dutifully  knelt  at  his 
feet,  and  the  earl  blessed  them  in  quite  a  fatherly  manner. 

There  were  three  weddings  in  one  day  at  Dirritole  shortly 
after  that ;  and  never  before,  nor  since,  were  such  doings 
heard  of  as  at  the  old  mansion.  Nothing  was  talked  of,  for 
miles  aorund,  but  the  groat  goings  on  at  Dirritole.  All  the 
county  were  assembled  on  the  lawn  in  front  of  the  mansion, 
,  where  they  feasted  and  danced  until  tlic  day  grew  red  in  the  east. 
Sir  Harry  and  Lady  Dudley  came  to  Dirritole  to  honor  tho 
nuptials  with  their  presence.  And  a  very  pretty  sight  it  was 
to  see  those  four  brides— all  looking  so  pretty,  so  happy,  and 
so  interesting. 

Immediately  after  the  wedding,  all  started  for  a  tour  on 
the  Continent;  and  when  they  returned,  they  brought  with 
them  John  and  his  faithful  Janie — now  man  and  wife — for 
whom  Lord  Arndale  never  ceased  making  inquiry,  until  they 
were  found  out.    The  joy  of  the  good  Janie  at  seeing  her  bo- 


840 


Tm:  SECRET  SORROW. 


■I' 


loved  young  lady  wdlaud  buppy,  nnd  tho  wife  of  Lord  Arn- 
dalc,  knew  no  bounds  ;  and  lilio  nearly  went  wild  with  delight 
ftt  learning  of  llic  good  fortino  of  her  atep-sister. 

Shortly  after  their  return,  the  carl  passed  peacefully  away ; 
and  Lord  Arndalc— now  Earl  of  Dancmore— togctlicr  with 
his  countess,  took  up  their  residence  in  tlio  dear  old  family 
mansion  of  Dirrilolc.  Sir  Hugh,  wlio  came  to  reside  with  his 
daughter,  gave  up  the  Tinea  to  ISU:  and  Mrs.  Fitzgerald  ;  and 
both  Jvatc  and  Alice  were  delighted  at  being  settled  so  near 
to  one  another. 

Sir  Harry  and  La('y  Dudley  went  to  reside  in  his  family 
mansion,  taking  witli  him  Boss's  mother— the  old  steward 
having  gone  tlic  way  of  all  llcsh  some  months  before. 

John  and  Janic  were  comfortably  provided  for  by  their  nu- 
merous wealthy  relations  and  friends,  and  passed  the  remain- 
der of  their  lives  as  happily  as  the  former  part  had  been 
tioubled  and  stormy. 

And  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles  Sidney— how  shall  wo  take  leave 
of  them  f  Charley  and  Maggie  settled  down  astonishingly 
ailcr  marriage,  andspc.it  most  of  their  time  in  Dublin,  to 
^hicl  city  Charley  was  very  much  attached. 

IMarie  Nelson  passed  the  remainder  of  her  days  at  Dirritole, 
or  Dirt7j  Hole,  as  her  sable  attendant  uc;  -isted  in  calling  it, 
in  spite  of  all  corrections.  Here,  studying  out  several  now 
forms  of  disease  to  which  she  believed  herself  a  martyr,  th» 
worthy  lady  passed  her  time  very  pleasantly. 

Miss  Dickctt  still  remained  presiding  goddess  of  tho  mys- 
teries of  housekeeping,  under  the  new  carl  and  countess. 


0  wife  of  Lord  Am- 
cnt  wild  with  delight 
cp-sialci". 

3cd  peacefully  away ; 
more— togcthci'  with 
tlic  dear  old  family 
imc  to  reside  with  his 
Mrs.  Fitzgerald ;  and 
bciug  settled  so  uoar 

>  reside  iu  his  family 
icr — the  old  steward 
onths  before, 
vided  for  by  their  nu- 
id  passed  the  rcmain- 
jrinci'  part  had  been 

ow  shall  wo  take  leave 

1  down  astonishingly 
ir  time  in  Dublin,  to 
hcci. 

'  her  days  at  Dirritole, 
uc.'Msted  in  calling  it, 
lying  out  ticrcral  now 
herself  a  martyr,  th» 
antly. 

J  goddess  of  the  inyt« 
sari  and  couatess. 


IHE  SECRET  SORROW. 


«41 


When  quizzed  by  Fitzgerald— who  solemnly  asserted  he  had 
no  peace  with  Kate,  she  was  no  jealous  of  the  days  ho  had 
formerly  spent  trying  to  win  Miss  Diekctt's  heart— the  of- 
fended housekeeper  would  fold  her  arms  with  dignity,  and 
repeat : 

«'  Hit  is  all  wery  fine— so  it  is." 

Old  Moll  resided  with  Kate,  to  whom  sho  wa«  extremely 
attached ;  and  every  few  months,  while  sho  lived,  aho  otill 
paid  a  vialt  to  the  old  Moor  Manor,  as  a  sort  of  homage  to 
the  memory  of  her  beloved  master. 

And  when  the  merry  Christmas  times  came,  Ibo  great 
parlors  of  Dirritole  were  filled  with  such  a  crowd— Uttle 
Dudleys,  Bessys,  and  Harrys;  little  Sidneys,  Charleys,  and 
Moggies;  little  Fitzgeralds,  Maurices,  and  Kates;  and  the 
little  Harrys  and  Alices,  of  the  carl  and  countess.  A  happy 
household  they  formed,  m  they  assembled  every  year ;  and 
none  among  them  ever  grew  up  more  beautiful  or  more  beloved 
than  the  little  dark-eyed,  gentle  orphan,  Magdalon. 


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Two  Grand  Detectiyc  Stories 


33  "sr 


JIJDSON    B.    TAYIiOB, 

Onw   of  tlx«   moat   popular    writer*   in   tli»   jvmrld- 


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I 

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1 


